By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has auctioned 20,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, intercepted from suspected smugglers in the Lagos and Ogun border communities.
The auction was conducted on Monday at the Nigeria Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos. The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the 20,500 litres of PMS and the five vehicles seized during the operation was put at about ₦38 million.
Speaking during the exercise, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, said the auction was conducted on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act governing the disposal of seized petroleum products.
Aliyu said the Nigeria Customs Service remained committed to protecting the nation’s economy by tackling the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.
According to him, surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations had been intensified along major smuggling routes in the Lagos-Ogun axis to curb the activities of criminal networks involved in the illegal export of petroleum products.
He explained that Operation Whirlwind was established as a strategic national initiative to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security by ensuring petroleum products meant for domestic consumption are not diverted to neighbouring countries.
Aliyu disclosed that acting on credible intelligence, operatives intercepted 820 jerrycans containing 25 litres of petrol each, amounting to 20,500 litres, at several border flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and the Seme-Badagry corridor.
He added that five vehicles used in transporting the products were also seized during the operation, bringing the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the petroleum products and the vehicles to about ₦38 million.
He said investigations revealed that the products were being moved for illegal export in violation of laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products within Nigeria.
Describing petroleum smuggling as a major threat to the nation’s economy and national security, Aliyu said the illicit trade deprives the government of revenue, distorts legitimate supply chains, creates artificial scarcity and fuels other criminal activities.
He noted that the auction was organised to ensure the seized fuel was reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain instead of finding its way back into illegal circulation.
According to him, the disposal exercise was witnessed by representatives of relevant government agencies, security organisations, civil society groups and the media to ensure transparency, accountability and integrity.
Aliyu acknowledged the strategic guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the technical oversight provided by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for providing the policy direction, resources and leadership that have strengthened Operation Whirlwind across all operational zones nationwide.
Aliyu warned individuals and syndicates involved in petroleum smuggling that Operation Whirlwind would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to identify, intercept, investigate and dismantle smuggling networks across the country.
Chief Superintendent of Customs
Public Relations Officer
For Comptroller Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja-Lagos
He urged residents of border communities and members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that the fight against fuel smuggling is a shared responsibility that is essential to protecting Nigeria’s economy and safeguarding national energy security.
