The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, valued at ₦80.4 million, allegedly being smuggled into the Republic of Benin.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Kola Oladeji, disclosed this while parading the seized items before journalists in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday.
Oladeji explained that the interception was made at multiple smuggling hotspots across Lagos and Ogun States over the last seven weeks.
Operation Whirlwind is a special anti-smuggling task force of the NCS aimed at tackling fuel diversion, hoarding, and related economic crimes. The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the downstream oil sector while protecting national resources and stabilising fuel supply.
According to Oladeji, the operation collaborates with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), among other agencies.
“The operatives, acting on credible intelligence, successfully intercepted a total of 1,980 jerrycans of petrol — equivalent to 49,500 litres — at various smuggling flashpoints within the Ajilete, Ijoun, Haro, Badagry, Owode Idiroko, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko axes,” Oladeji said.
“The total duty-paid value of the seized fuel and the vehicles used in conveyance stands at ₦80.4 million.”
He further revealed that after the interception, additional intelligence led officers to a filling station along Owode Apa Road in Badagry, Lagos State, where serious infractions were discovered in the handling and storage of petroleum products. The station was immediately sealed in line with regulatory procedures to prevent further economic sabotage and ensure public safety.
During a security sweep around the sealed premises, a suspect was apprehended based on suspicious behaviour and links to the illegal operations.
“The suspect was not arrested inside the station but outside, during a perimeter search of the surrounding area. In accordance with the law, he was granted administrative bail by the Legal Unit of the Federal Operations Unit after eight hours, following representation by his legal counsel,” Oladeji explained.
He stressed that the series of interceptions reaffirm the Service’s commitment to combating smuggling and illicit trade, both of which undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and social welfare.
“As we move forward, we remain resolute in strengthening our operational capacity, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and promoting public awareness on the dangers of fuel smuggling and economic sabotage,” Oladeji said.
“We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to support our efforts by providing actionable intelligence and fostering a culture of compliance with national laws and regulations.”
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