The Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service, has formally handed over the sealed filling station belonging to Adeola Ade PLC, located along Owode Apa Road, Badagry, Lagos State, to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for appropriate regulatory action and sanction.
During the handing over held at the filling station on 24th October, 2025 in Badagry, the National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind Assistant Comptroller General , Kola Oladeji, in his address said the exercise was carried out in line with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as part of ongoing efforts to sanitize the downstream petroleum sector and curb illicit practices undermining national economic interests.
He explained that the facility was sealed by operatives of Operation Whirlwind on October 4, 2025, following credible intelligence and a thorough investigation that uncovered serious infractions inconsistent with petroleum retail regulations in Nigeria.
Oladeji, noted that while Operation Whirlwind plays a key enforcement role, effective regulation of the downstream sector requires strong inter-agency collaboration. He assured that the handover to NMDPRA underscores the Customs Service’s respect for institutional mandates and the rule of law, adding that the authority is empowered to investigate, sanction, and ensure full compliance with industry standards.
It is worth recalling that during a press briefing and auction exercise held in Lagos on October 14, 2025, ACG Oladeji, disclosed that several seizures were made within the last seven weeks following sustained surveillance and intelligence led operations. He explained that the intercepted consignments were uncovered at various notorious smuggling flashpoints, including Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Badagry, Owode Idiroko, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko. According to him, the products were carefully concealed and being prepared for illegal export to the Republic of Benin before they were intercepted through multiple coordinated raids conducted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind under the Zone A Command.
ACG Oladeji further revealed that subsequent intelligence led investigations linked the operation to a retail outlet identified as Adeola Ade PLC Filling Station, located along Owode-Apa Road in Badagry, Lagos State. Upon inspection, officers discovered serious infractions relating to the improper handling, storage, and suspected illegal sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). In line with extant laws and regulatory procedures, the facility was immediately sealed to prevent further diversion of petroleum products and ensure public safety. He added that during a routine perimeter sweep around the premises, operatives apprehended a male suspect, later identified as Mr. Adeola Ismail, who is currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Coordinator also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu , for its strategic intelligence support and policy guidance in tackling economic sabotage. He equally lauded the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its technical expertise and regulatory oversight, as well as the dedicated personnel of Operation Whirlwind and patriotic Nigerians who continue to support the national campaign against smuggling and illicit fuel diversion.
Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) , represented by the Head of Retail Infrastructure, Mrs. Ivy Agbonselogho, reiterated the authority’s unwavering stance against petroleum product diversion and smuggling, describing such acts as grave economic, safety, and environmental threats.
She commended the NCS, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Office of the National Security Adviser for their steadfast collaboration in tackling these challenges. Mrs. Agbonselogho stressed that addressing the menace requires a united and sustained approach by all stakeholders, including marketers, consumers, and security agencies. She urged the public to support the collective effort through vigilance, transparency, and cooperation, noting that responsible management of petroleum resources is a shared national duty.
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