Operation Whirlwind: Customs Seizes 39,425 Litres of Smuggled Petrol in Lagos-Ogun Axis
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its ongoing initiative, Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 39,425 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at ₦39.4 million, in the Lagos-Ogun axis.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, revealed this during a press conference held on Friday at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Ikeja, Lagos.
Represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibunu, Adeniyi described the seizure as a significant milestone in the fight against petroleum smuggling.
He attributed the success of the operation to the “dedication, commitment and resilience” of Customs officers operating in the zone over the past year. Adeniyi further noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Attorney General’s office had commended the NCS for its efforts.
“On May 23, we were in Yola for a similar exercise where over 46,000 litres of seized PMS were auctioned,” he said. “Today, we are conducting another auction following seizures made at Laro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, Ajilete, and other flashpoints.”
According to Adeniyi, investigations confirmed that the seized petrol was intended for illegal export to the Republic of Benin. The operation led to the confiscation of 1,577 jerrycans of 25 litres each totaling 39,425 Litres and eight vehicles used in transportation.
The fuel had a duty paid value of ₦39.4 million, while the vehicles were valued at ₦24 million, bringing the total value of the seizure to ₦63.4 million.
Adeniyi directed that the seized petrol be auctioned immediately to Nigerians at ₦10,000 per 25 litre jerrycan. He expressed appreciation to strategic partners, ONSA, the Attorney General’s office, and NMDPRA for their continuous support and cooperation.
He also highlighted the success of Operation Whirlwind since its launch in 2025, noting, “Since Operation Whirlwind began in 2025, Customs officers have not fired a single shot, and four suspects are currently facing trial.”
Comptroller Charles Orbih, Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’ of the NCS, reiterated the service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy and ensuring that the benefits of national policies reach the people.
“Every litre smuggled across the borders causes revenue loss, scarcity, market instability and weakens energy security,” he stated.
He emphasized that the operation, initiated by the National Security Adviser’s office, demonstrated the capacity of the Nigeria Customs Service to secure the nation's borders effectively.
Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, head of the FOU Zone ‘A’, commended the Customs Management for supporting the efforts of field officers. He said the success of the operation was a result of teamwork and unwavering dedication to combating smuggling.
“This seizure will help revive the economy, and Customs will maintain its focus on revenue generation and supporting legitimate trade,” Shuaibu added.
Mr. Patrick Musa, of the NSA’s Lagos Zonal office representing the NMDPRA, said the operation affirmed Customs’ capacity in border protection. He pledged continued collaboration with Customs and other relevant agencies to curtail petroleum smuggling.
Mrs. Abidemi Aluko, representing the Attorney General’s office, lauded the Customs leadership and other partners for their joint efforts in tackling fuel smuggling.
“This is not business as usual. Suspects are currently under investigation for illegal petroleum dealings and will face trial,” she said.
Citing relevant laws, she explained that the offence carries penalties including life imprisonment, fines, and the forfeiture of transportation vehicles used in the crime.
“The Federal Government remains committed to prosecuting and bringing to justice those involved in petrol smuggling,” she affirmed.
She further called on all agencies and stakeholders to strengthen their collaboration to combat economic sabotage.
In his closing remarks, Assistant Comptroller-General Kola Oladeji expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General for his leadership and the enabling environment that made the operation successful. He urged officers to remain steadfast in their duties and intensify efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders.
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