The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its clampdown on fuel smugglers under Operation Whirlwind, with the interception of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth ₦63.4 million in the Lagos-Ogun border corridor, and has commenced an immediate auction of the seized product to the public at a subsidised rate.
Operation Whirlwind, launched by the NCS to combat PMS smuggling, has, within a yea,r recorded multiple high-profile seizures and continues to intensify efforts at all border areas.
At a press briefing held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, described the seizure as a significant blow to fuel smuggling cartels sabotaging Nigeria’s economy.
“There is no safe haven for smugglers or economic saboteurs. We will continue to disrupt their activities and reduce them to the barest minimum,” ACG Ejibunu said.
He disclosed that operatives intercepted 1,577 jerrycans of 25 litres each, totalling 39,425 litres of PMS, and eight vehicles used for illegal transportation. The items were seized in smuggling-prone locations such as Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete, with investigations confirming the fuel was destined for illegal export across the border to the Republic of Benin.
The seized PMS has a duty-paid value of ₦39,425,000, while the vehicles are worth ₦24,000,000, bringing the total value to ₦63,425,000.
Ejibunu, while appreciating the dedication of officers, announced that the seized fuel would be sold to the public at ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan, following the approval of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
“This subsidised sale is to ensure that Nigerians benefit directly from the seizure. It also serves as a deterrent to economic saboteurs,” he added.
He acknowledged the strong collaboration with stakeholders such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Office of the Attorney General, noting their roles in enabling effective operations.
Also speaking, Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, commended the efforts of officers under Operation Whirlwind.
“This landmark achievement reflects the determination and unwavering commitment of our officers to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and national interests,” Orbih stated.
