Abayomi Susan
Operation Whirlwind warns criminals as NCS disposes intercepted PMS, vows tougher enforcement along border routes
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its anti-smuggling initiative, Operation Whirlwind, has auctioned 20,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, seized from suspected smugglers operating along the Lagos-Ogun border corridor.
The public auction, held at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, followed intelligence-driven operations that led to the interception of the petroleum products in various locations, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and the Seme-Badagry axis.
Speaking during the exercise on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind said the auction was carried out in line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process in the disposal of seized petroleum products.
He disclosed that the operation resulted in the seizure of 820 jerrycans of 25 litres each, totaling 20,500 litres of PMS, alongside five vehicles allegedly used in transporting the products. The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized petrol and vehicles was estimated at ₦38 million.
According to him, the petroleum products were intercepted while being illegally transported for export to neighbouring countries, in violation of regulations governing the movement and distribution of petroleum products in Nigeria.
The National Coordinator explained that Operation Whirlwind was established as a strategic initiative to combat the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products, protect national energy security, safeguard government revenue and ensure that fuel meant for Nigerians reaches legitimate consumers.
He noted that the Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations across major smuggling routes due to persistent attempts by criminal networks to divert petroleum products.
He described fuel smuggling as a serious economic challenge that affects government revenue, disrupts domestic supply chains, creates artificial scarcity and undermines reforms within the petroleum sector.
The Customs official stressed that auctioning the seized PMS would ensure that the products are redirected into the legitimate domestic market rather than being recycled into illegal activities.
He added that the disposal process was conducted in the presence of relevant government agencies, security organisations, civil society representatives and members of the media to guarantee transparency and public confidence.
The National Coordinator commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for enhancing inter-agency cooperation, which has contributed significantly to the success of Operation Whirlwind.
He also appreciated the support of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its technical and regulatory contributions towards strengthening efforts against petroleum smuggling.
While commending the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, he praised officers of Operation Whirlwind and other security partners for their dedication, professionalism and commitment.
Issuing a strong warning to smugglers, he stated that Operation Whirlwind would continue to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in the illegal diversion and movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.
He urged residents of border communities and members of the public to support security agencies by providing credible information that would assist ongoing efforts to combat smuggling.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources, the National Coordinator assured Nigerians that Operation Whirlwind would sustain intelligence-led operations and intensify monitoring across all operational areas to safeguard national economic interests.
