By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 245,370 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, valued at ₦238.1 million in its intensified crackdown on fuel smuggling.
Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi announced the seizures on Tuesday, attributing the success to “Operation Whirlwind,” a special anti-smuggling initiative launched less than three months ago.
He highlighted that the smuggling of petrol is driven by significant price disparities along Nigeria’s borders, with smugglers diverting fuel to neighboring countries for higher profits.
“Our economic intelligence reveals that these price differences are the main catalyst for this illegal trade, fueling a black market that undermines Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and national interests,” Adeniyi stated.
Breakdown of Major Seizures Under Operation Whirlwind:
Adamawa State (Jan. 30, 2025): 199,495 litres of petrol seized, valued at ₦199.5 million.
Kwara State (Feb. 17, 2025): 45,875 litres of petrol intercepted, worth ₦38.6 million.
Lagos and Ogun (Jan. 11 – Feb. 23, 2025): 28,300 litres of petrol seized along key smuggling routes.
Describing fuel smuggling as a “systematic attempt to undermine Nigeria’s economic foundations,” Adeniyi warned that criminal networks are constantly adapting their methods to evade enforcement.
“These unscrupulous elements are refining their tactics to circumvent our measures. What we are witnessing is not just routine smuggling but a deliberate effort to divert strategic national resources,” he said.
As part of the latest crackdown, Customs officers also seized three vehicles used for fuel smuggling and arrested two suspects, who are now facing trial.
Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibuno, who leads Operation Whirlwind, reaffirmed his team’s commitment to dismantling smuggling networks, praising the Customs management for its continued support in safeguarding the country’s economy and national security.
