Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) hads auctioned 14,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at ₦14.875 million, following its interception from smugglers operating along the Lagos/Ogun border axis.
The public auction, held at the Customs Training College in Ikeja on 31st March 2026, was carried out on the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as part of measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the disposal of seized petroleum products.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind Deputy Comptroller Lucky Aliyu, said the auction followed a series of intelligence driven operations conducted over the past four weeks, leading to the dismantling of a coordinated smuggling network.
He disclosed that the seized PMS, contained in 595 jerry-cans of 25 litres each, was intercepted across key smuggling routes including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and the Seme-Badagry corridor.
According to him, the operation dealt a significant blow to criminal elements involved in the illegal export of fuel to neighbouring countries, an act he described as harmful to Nigeria’s economic stability and energy security. He emphasised that petroleum smuggling undermines government revenue, disrupts the domestic supply chain, and contributes to artificial scarcity, making it a serious economic offence.
Aliyu noted that Operation Whirlwind was established as a strategic enforcement initiative to curb the cross-border smuggling of petroleum products and ensure that fuel meant for domestic use remains within the country.
He added that the auction of the seized PMS was conducted in line with legal provisions, allowing the products to be reintegrated into the legitimate domestic market. The exercise was observed by representatives of government agencies, security organisations, civil society groups, and the media to guarantee transparency and due process.
Aliyu also acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for strengthening inter-agency collaboration, as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its regulatory oversight.
Commending officers involved in the operation, he praised their professionalism and vigilance in disrupting smuggling activities and safeguarding national economic interests.
He also issued a stern warning to smugglers, stating that enforcement operations would be sustained and intensified, adding that Operation Whirlwind remains committed to tracking and dismantling illegal networks.
One Comment