Taiwo Popoola
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly known as petrol, valued at N80.4 million, allegedly being smuggled into the Republic of Benin.
The seizure was made by Operation Whirlwind, a special task force of the NCS, within various flashpoints in Lagos and Ogun States over the past seven weeks.
Speaking during a press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, ACG, Kola Oladeji, said the operation was part of intensified efforts to curb the illegal export of petroleum products and other acts of economic sabotage.
According to him, the seized consignments were intercepted at Ajilete, Ijoun, Haro, Badagry, Owode Idiroko, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko, all notorious smuggling corridors used for illicit cross-border trade.
He added that seven vehicles used in conveying the products were also impounded.
“The operatives, acting on credible intelligence, successfully intercepted a total of 1,980 jerrycans of PMS, equivalent to 49,500 litres, at different smuggling flashpoints across Lagos and Ogun States. The total duty-paid value of the seized petroleum products and the vehicles stands at N80.4 million,” Oladeji said.
He disclosed that following the interception, further intelligence-led operations led officers to a retail outlet along Owode-Apa Road in Badagry, where infractions were observed in the handling and storage of petroleum products. Consequently, the station was sealed in accordance with existing regulations to prevent further economic sabotage and ensure public safety.
He noted that during a perimeter sweep around the sealed premises, operatives apprehended a man for suspicious conduct. The suspect, he clarified, was not arrested inside the petrol station but outside the area during a broader security sweep.
“After eight hours in custody and upon proper representation by his lawyer, the suspect was granted administrative bail pending further investigation,” the ACG stated.
Oladeji reaffirmed that Operation Whirlwind was designed to support the Federal Government’s efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the downstream petroleum sector while safeguarding national resources for the benefit of Nigerians.
He added that the operation works in close collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, among other agencies.
“Smuggling of fuel not only deprives the government of vital revenue but also disrupts domestic supply, creating artificial shortages and price instability,” he warned.
Oladeji also urged Nigerians to support Customs by providing actionable intelligence, noting that collective vigilance remains key to defeating the network of smugglers and protecting the nation’s economy.
“As we move forward, we remain resolute in enhancing inter-agency cooperation, expanding our operational reach, and promoting public awareness on the dangers of smuggling and resource diversion,” he said.
