Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted and auctioned 20,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), alongside five vehicles with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N38 million, as part of intensified efforts to curb the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.
Speaking at the auction held at the Customs Training College Ikeja on Monday, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Lucky Aliyu, said the latest interception followed credible intelligence which led operatives to dismantle a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries.
According to him, the 820 jerrycans contained 20,500 litres of PMS intercepted across major smuggling flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and the Seme-Badagry axis.
He added that five vehicles used in conveying the products were also seized, bringing the combined Duty Paid Value of the petroleum products and vehicles to about N38 million.
Aliyu described petroleum smuggling as a major threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security, noting that the illicit trade deprives government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic fuel supply chain, encourages artificial scarcity, fuels criminal enterprises and undermines ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector.
He said the public auction of the seized products demonstrates the Service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process, ensuring that the petroleum products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than diverted into illegal channels.
Aliyu acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser for strengthening inter-agency collaboration, which he said has enhanced the operational effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind. He also commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for providing technical expertise and regulatory oversight in support of the operation.
He further expressed appreciation to the management of the NCS, officers of Operation Whirlwind and partner security agencies for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication in disrupting petroleum smuggling activities.
He also appealed to residents of border communities and members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that combating smuggling is a collective responsibility.
The representative of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mrs. Grace Dauda, said while the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses, operators must comply with extant regulations governing the movement and distribution of petroleum products.
Dauda stressed that petroleum products are meant to serve Nigeria’s economic development and should not be illegally diverted across the nation’s borders. She urged members of the public to report any suspected cases of cross-border movement of petroleum products to the appropriate authorities, adding that the NMDPRA has offices in all 36 states to receive such reports and ensure adequate in country supply.
She further advised petroleum marketers and transporters to comply with due process by properly manifesting products from the point of loading to their final destinations, noting that this would enhance accountability and prevent product diversion.
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