***Auctions 14,875 Litres of Seized Petrol to Legitimate Market
By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has foiled an attempt to smuggle 14,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Benin Republic. The interception was carried out by Operation Whirlwind, Zone A Unit, following four weeks of intelligence-led operations targeting key smuggling corridors in Ogun and Lagos states
The public auction of the seized fuel, held at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, was conducted under the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reinforcing the leadership’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Speaking during press briefing held on Tuesday, March 31st in Lagos, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, disclosed that 595 jerry-cans of 25 litres each, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦14,875,000, were recovered. He explained that the petroleum products were being moved illegally across borders in violation of national petroleum regulations.
Seizures were recorded along major smuggling routes, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and the Seme–Badagry corridor. Aliyu said the operation successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network, preventing a significant economic loss to the nation.
“Petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime,” he said. “It depletes government revenue, disrupts domestic supply, inflates fuel prices, and strengthens criminal networks.”
Aliyu emphasised that Operation Whirlwind will continue to track, intercept, and prosecute offenders, declaring: “The era of impunity is over.” He also urged residents of border communities to support security agencies with credible and timely information, stressing that public cooperation is key to protecting national economic interests.
The auction of the seized PMS, Aliyu added, ensures the fuel is returned to the legitimate market, stabilising domestic supply and protecting consumers from artificial shortages.
The exercise was conducted in the presence of security agencies, government representatives, civil society organisations, and media personnel. Aliyu acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Nuhu Ribadu, for fostering inter-agency collaboration, and praised the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for regulatory oversight and technical assistance.
He reaffirmed that the Federal Government, under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources, enforcing regulations, and strengthening border security to prevent the illegal diversion of fuel.
