Operatives from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under Operation Whirlwind have thwarted a smuggling attempt, seizing three truckloads of petrol in the Seme border vicinity of Lagos State.
The successful operation was attributed to the enhanced vigilance and enforcement measures implemented by Customs officials, who are intensifying their activities across significant border areas within the South-West region.
During a press conference held at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that over 1,650 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N40.7 million, were also confiscated by the operatives along the Owode-Apa stretch of Badagry.
Adeniyi remarked that the illegal shipments have been forwarded to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further scrutiny and action, emphasizing that such seizures are intended to deter future smuggling attempts.
At the event attended by journalists, he stated that the contraband was intercepted at various sites within Lagos State, including Badagry, Owode-Apa, and Seme.
The CGC's remarks were delivered by Abubakar Aliyu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind and a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, who noted that the operations have been ongoing for the past nine weeks.
“In this brief period, our operatives have intensified their surveillance and enforcement across critical border communities. Consequently, a total of 1,630 jerrycans of 25 liters each have been intercepted on known smuggling routes such as Adodo, Seme, Owode-Apa, Ajilete, Idjaun, Ilaro, Badagry, Idiroko, and Imeko. The total duty paid value for the confiscated PMS is estimated to be N40.7 million,” Adeniyi stated.
Furthermore, he explained that the three intercepted tankers were transporting 60,000, 45,000, and 49,000 liters respectively, culminating in a total of 154,000 liters of the illegal fuel.
The Comptroller General pointed out that these interceptions result from systematic and intelligent operations, reflecting the unwavering commitment of Operation Whirlwind to protect Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
He elaborated on the regulatory frameworks that govern the transportation and movement of petroleum products, aimed at preventing diversion, smuggling, clandestine stockpiling, and any form of economic sabotage.
Adeniyi stressed, "The items in question were found to violate the established Standard Operating Procedures of Operation Whirlwind,” and added that such infractions compromise governmental policies, disrupt market equilibrium, and rob the state of crucial revenue.
He further indicated that the border areas including Owode, Seme, and Badagry are vital economic corridors, historically used for illegal petroleum transport.
“The message is clear: under our oversight, there will be no sanctuary for those engaging in economic sabotage,” he warned.
Adeniyi confirmed that in accordance with the operational mandate of the service and the inter-agency collaboration framework, the products are being officially handed over to NMDPRA, which illustrates the synergy between institutions.
He mentioned that while the service handles border security and anti-smuggling operations, NMDPRA ensures compliance with local distribution laws.
“This collaboration guarantees due process, integrity, and regulatory transparency,” he concluded.
Additionally, a representative from NMDPRA, Mrs. Grace Dauda, stressed the agency's responsibility to ensure that Nigerian-produced petroleum is used domestically. She lamented that some businesspersons attempt to smuggle these products out of the country and called on the public to cooperate in safeguarding the economy.
Operation Whirlwind was specifically launched by the NCS in 2024 to combat the rampant cross-border smuggling of petroleum products and other contraband affecting Nigeria's economic stability and lawful trade, as a direct response to the recent surge in illegal fuel diversion across Nigeria's borders.
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