The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under its special anti-smuggling initiative Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, worth ₦80.4 million, allegedly being smuggled to the Republic of Benin.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Kola Oladeji, who is also an Assistant Controller General of Customs, disclosed this on Tuesday while showcasing the seized contraband to journalists in Ikeja, Lagos.
Oladeji explained that the petrol was intercepted at different flashpoints within Lagos and Ogun States over the last seven weeks. He noted that the seizures were made following credible intelligence and formed part of the Customs’ renewed efforts to curb fuel smuggling.
“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 totaling 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 is to the tune of ₦80.4 million,” Oladeji said.
He revealed that the contraband, which was carefully concealed and prepared for illegal export, was intercepted along with seven vehicles used for transportation.
Following the operation, Customs operatives conducted further intelligence-led surveillance, which led them to a retail outlet along Owode Apa Road, Badagry, where serious infractions were detected regarding fuel handling and storage. The station was immediately sealed to prevent further economic sabotage and ensure public safety.
During a routine perimeter sweep, a suspect was apprehended for exhibiting suspicious behavior and having preliminary links to the illegal activities at the sealed filling station.
“It is pertinent to note that the suspect was not arrested inside the premises but outside the crime scene. After eight hours, and upon proper legal representation, he was granted administrative bail pending further investigation,” Oladeji clarified.
The Customs official emphasized that the success of Operation Whirlwind reaffirms the Service’s determination to combat smuggling and illicit trade, which threaten Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
“As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening operational capacities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and promoting public awareness on the dangers of smuggling. We call on all Nigerians to support our efforts by providing actionable information and fostering a culture of compliance,” he added.
Operation Whirlwind is a special anti-smuggling initiative launched by the NCS to tackle the menace of petroleum product smuggling, hoarding, and related economic sabotage. The operation works in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to ensure accountability and efficiency in the downstream oil sector.
