Customs’ Operation Whirlwind Cripples Fuel Smuggling, Auctions 22,175 Litres of PMS
Customs’ Operation Whirlwind Cripples Fuel Smuggling, Auctions 22,175 Litres of PMS
The Operation Whirlwind Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday auctioned 22,175 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) seized from smugglers along the Lagos–Ogun border corridors.
According to the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, DC AL Aliyu, the seizures comprised 887 jerrycans of 25 litres each, alongside five means of conveyance, with a total Duty Paid Value of ₦32,175,000.
He explained that the interceptions were made in recent weeks across notorious smuggling routes including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry. The operations were driven by credible intelligence that disrupted a coordinated network attempting to move PMS illegally into neighbouring countries.
“Operation Whirlwind is a targeted initiative to curb diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products, safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests, and strengthen national energy security,” he stated.
The Coordinator emphasized that the auction reflects NCS’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and lawful management of seized products. He urged participants to adhere strictly to auction guidelines to ensure fairness.
He commended CGC Adeniyi for strategic leadership, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for collaboration, and officers of Operation Whirlwind for their diligence and professionalism.
DC Aliyu issued a stern warning to those still engaged in smuggling and diversion of petroleum products, stating that “let this exercise serve as a clear warning. Operation Whirlwind remains resolute, relentless, and intelligence-driven. We will continue to dismantle smuggling networks and bring perpetrators to justice.”
He called the border communities to support Customs and other security agencies with timely information, stressing that the fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility.
He declared without mincing words that Operation Whirlwind will continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and enforcement to safeguard petroleum resources, protect the economy, and reinforce energy security.
