The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under its special operation codenamed Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, worth N80.4 million, allegedly being smuggled to the Republic of Benin.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Kola Oladeji, made this known on Tuesday in Ikeja, Lagos, while parading the seized petroleum products and other contraband items before journalists.
Oladeji said the seizures were made across various smuggling routes in Lagos and Ogun States over the last seven weeks, following credible intelligence reports. He explained that the operation uncovered multiple attempts by smugglers to divert petroleum products meant for domestic use into illegal export channels to neighbouring countries.
Operation Whirlwind, launched by the Nigeria Customs Service, is a special anti-smuggling initiative designed to tackle the illegal export of petroleum products, hoarding, and other forms of economic sabotage. The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency within the downstream oil sector while ensuring that petroleum products remain available and affordable for Nigerians.
The operation works in close collaboration with key agencies, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), to safeguard national resources and strengthen border control.
Speaking further, ACG Oladeji said the Customs operatives intercepted the smuggled products at several known smuggling flashpoints, including the Ajilete Axis, Ijoun Axis, Haro Axis, Badagry Axis, Owode Idiroko Axis, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko Axis. The 1,980 jerrycans, equivalent to 49,500 litres of petrol, were being transported in seven vehicles which were also seized.
“The operatives, acting on credible intelligence and in line with our renewed mandate, successfully intercepted a total of 1,980 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit totalling 49,500 litres at various notorious smuggling flashpoints within the Ajilete, Ijoun, Haro, Badagry, Owode Idiroko, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko Axes. The total duty-paid value of the intercepted petroleum products and the conveying vehicles stands at N80.4 million,” Oladeji stated.
He explained that further investigation led Customs officials to a retail filling station along Owode-Apa Road in Badagry, Lagos State, where irregular activities relating to the storage and sale of petroleum products were uncovered. Upon inspection, serious infractions were discovered, prompting the Service to immediately seal the station to prevent further economic sabotage and ensure public safety.
According to Oladeji, during a routine perimeter sweep of the sealed premises, one man was arrested for suspicious activities linked to the illegal operation. He clarified that the suspect was not arrested inside the filling station but outside the vicinity during an extended security sweep.
“It is pertinent to note that the suspect was not arrested inside the premises but rather outside the crime scene during a wider combing of the surrounding area. After eight hours, in accordance with the law, and upon representation by his legal counsel, he was granted administrative bail by the Legal Unit of the Federal Operations Unit pending further investigation,” the Customs chief explained.
ACG Oladeji stressed that the success of the operation demonstrates the Service’s determination to fight economic sabotage and illegal trade that threaten Nigeria’s economy. He also emphasized that the interception underscores the importance of public cooperation and intelligence sharing in combating cross-border crimes.
He said, “As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening our operational capacity, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and promoting public awareness about the harmful effects of smuggling and resource diversion. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to support our efforts by providing actionable intelligence and fostering a culture of compliance with our laws and regulations.”
The Customs Service has in recent months intensified its campaign against fuel smuggling, which officials say causes revenue losses, fuel scarcity, and price distortions in the local market. Nigeria’s border communities, especially those in the South-West region, have been identified as major routes for petroleum product smuggling due to their proximity to neighbouring countries where petrol prices are significantly higher.
Observers say the recent seizures by Operation Whirlwind highlight the continued challenge of fuel diversion and the need for stronger border enforcement. The NCS has maintained that it will continue to deploy intelligence, technology, and inter-agency collaboration to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and ensure that national resources are used for the benefit of citizens.
