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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 28,300 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N35.8 million along the Lagos-Ogun border region as it continues to fight against smuggling.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi while speaking on the seized contrabands, highlighted that following an intelligence-driven operation between January 11 and February 23, 2025, the officers successfully intercepted and seized a total of “28,300 litres of petrol being diverted through various concealment methods and smuggling techniques. The duty paid value of these seizures is N35.8m.”
He said three vehicles used were seized as a means of conveyance.
This latest seizure is part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to combat fuel smuggling and safeguard Nigeria’s energy security and economic sovereignty.
Adeniyi warned smugglers that tougher times lie ahead, stating that the NCS will continue to adapt its strategies to counter the dynamic tactics of smugglers. Pointing out that there will be no safe haven for smugglers in our operational areas.
Operation Whirlwind, the NCS’s anti-smuggling operation, has yielded remarkable results, with cumulative seizures of 245,370 litres of PMS valued at N238,140,000 in less than three months.
The operation has also identified key smuggling routes, including the Badagry-Seme axis, Imeko-Afon Axis, Ilaro-Ojodan Network, and Owode-Ajilete Route.
He stated further that the Imeko-Afon axis in Ogun State contributes 25 per cent of total seizures while Ilaro-Ojodan contributes 22 per cent, and the d Owode-Ajilete route is responsible for 18 per cent, making a total of 65 per cent.
The CGC commended the dedication and courage of the Operation Whirlwind team, headed by ACG Hussein Ejibunu, and assured Nigerians that the NCS will deploy additional resources and adopt stringent measures to secure petroleum products meant for domestic consumption.
Adeniyi also said these figures represent not just some kind of statistical achievements, but tangible protection of the national economy and energy security.
He also emphasised that the successful implementation of Operation Whirlwind highlights the critical importance of strategic interagency cooperation in addressing complex national security challenges.
