The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 39,425 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N39.4 million, along the Lagos-Ogun border axis.
The interception was carried out under Operation Whirlwind, an initiative launched earlier this year by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to curb the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, made this known on Friday during a press briefing at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja.
He was represented by Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibunu, the national coordinator of the operation.
Adeniyi disclosed that the seizure, which involved 1,577 jerrycans of 25 litres each, was made at key smuggling flashpoints including Laro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete.
Eight vehicles used for the illicit transportation were also confiscated. The combined duty-paid value of the seized petrol and vehicles stands at N63.4 million.
He stated that investigations revealed the petrol was bound for the Republic of Benin, highlighting the continuous threat posed by cross-border fuel smuggling to national revenue and energy security.
“This interception is a testament to the commitment, resilience, and unrelenting dedication of our officers within this axis.
Since the launch of Operation Whirlwind in 2025, no single shot has been fired by our operatives, and four suspects are currently facing prosecution,” he said.
In line with Customs’ policy of public disposal of seized petroleum products, the CGC ordered that the intercepted PMS be auctioned immediately to Nigerians at N10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan.
Adeniyi also acknowledged the critical support of strategic partners such as ONSA, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Attorney General’s office.
Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Comptroller Charles Orbih, emphasized the operation’s broader implications, noting that fuel smuggling results in massive economic sabotage, revenue loss, and market distortions.
“Every litre of fuel smuggled across our borders is a blow to our economy.
“This operation proves that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in securing our borders and safeguarding national interest,” Orbih said.
Also speaking, Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, said the seizure was a result of joint efforts and intelligence sharing among dedicated officers.
Patrick Musa of the NSA’s Lagos zonal office underlined the importance of collaboration between agencies, noting that the NMDPRA, mandated with overseeing petroleum distribution, would continue working closely with Customs to prevent illegal fuel movement.
Abidemi Aluko, a representative from the Attorney General’s office, warned that suspects found guilty of smuggling petroleum products face stiff penalties including life imprisonment and forfeiture of the vehicles used in the crime.
“This is not business as usual,” Aluko said. “We are committed to prosecuting offenders and dismantling networks behind these illegal activities.”
ACG Kola Oladeji commended the CGC’s leadership and urged operatives to remain vigilant, stressing the importance of intensifying efforts to bolster national security.
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