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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at ₦80.4 million, that were being smuggled to the Republic of Benin.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Controller General Kola Oladeji, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the seized items to journalists in Ikeja, Lagos.
Oladeji said the seizures were made across several smuggling hotspots in Lagos and Ogun States over the past seven weeks. Operation Whirlwind, he explained, is a special anti-smuggling initiative of the NCS designed to curb petroleum product smuggling, hoarding, and other forms of economic sabotage.
The initiative supports the Federal Government’s broader goals of promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the downstream oil sector while ensuring petroleum products remain available and affordable for Nigerians. It operates in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Providing details of the seizures, Oladeji stated that the contraband fuel was intercepted in the Ajilete, Ijoun, Haro, Badagry, Owode Idiroko, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko axes. Seven vehicles used to convey the fuel were also impounded.
He noted that the products were concealed and ready for illegal export when Customs operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted them. The total volume recovered was 49,500 litres, with a duty-paid value of ₦80.4 million.
Following the interceptions, Customs operatives traced related activities to a retail fuel outlet along Owode Apa Road, Badagry, where “serious infractions” were discovered concerning storage and possible illegal sales of petroleum products. The filling station was subsequently sealed in line with regulatory procedures to prevent further economic sabotage.
Oladeji revealed that a man was apprehended during a security sweep around the sealed premises. Although arrested outside the crime scene, he was linked to the illegal operations. The suspect was granted administrative bail after eight hours, following legal representation, pending further investigation.
He emphasised that the success of the operation demonstrates the Service’s determination to combat smuggling and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.
“As we move forward, we remain committed to improving our operational efficiency, deepening inter-agency collaboration, and raising public awareness on the dangers of smuggling and resource diversion,” Oladeji said.
He called on Nigerians to support Customs by sharing credible information and promoting compliance with trade and security regulations.
