The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone A, under Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 595 jerrycans of 25 litres of smuggled petroleum products at multiple locations across Lagos and key flashpoints in Ogun State, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and the Seme-Badagry corridor.
Acting on directives from Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, the seized fuel was auctioned to the public at N10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan to dismantle criminal networks undermining national security and economic ility.
Speaking at the Customs Training School in Ikeja, Lagos, the national coordinator of the operation, Abubakar Aliyu, revealed that the contraband was intercepted over the past four weeks through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and intensified enforcement along major smuggling routes. He stressed that the seizures aim to protect the nation’s economic interests, strengthen energy security, and prevent petroleum products meant for local consumption from being diverted abroad.
“The total Duty Paid Value of the seized Premium Motor Spirit stands at ₦14,875,000.50,” Aliyu said. “Operation Whirlwind is a targeted anti-smuggling initiative designed to safeguard the nation’s economic interests, ensure domestic supply, and dismantle illegal export networks.”
Aliyu further highlighted that the seized petroleum products were earmarked for illegal export in violation of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products. He emphasized that smuggling disrupts the domestic supply chain, deprives the government of vital revenue, and creates artificial scarcity that negatively affects citizens.
To ensure transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized PMS was disposed of through a public auction involving government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives. This measure reintegrates the fuel into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than allowing diversion into illegal channels.
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