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| The National Coordinator Operation Whirlwind, Lucky Aliyu, Deputy Controller of Customs |
The Nigeria Customs Service has auctioned 20,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted during anti-smuggling operations in Lagos, as authorities intensify efforts to curb the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria's borders.
The auction was conducted on Monday in Ikeja by the Service's Operation Whirlwind, following the interception of fuel allegedly destined for illegal export to neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the exercise, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Lucky Aliyu, said the seizure was the outcome of intelligence-led operations that dismantled an organised fuel smuggling network operating within the Zone A corridor.
According to Aliyu, customs operatives recovered 820 jerrycans, each containing 25 litres of petrol, bringing the total volume seized to 20,500 litres. The products were intercepted at major smuggling routes, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and the Seme–Badagry axis.
He added that five vehicles used to transport the products were also confiscated during the operation, with the combined duty-paid value of both the petrol and vehicles estimated at ₦38 million.
Aliyu said the Customs Service remains committed to protecting Nigeria's economy through strengthened surveillance, improved intelligence gathering and sustained enforcement operations targeting fuel smugglers.
He noted that the intercepted petroleum products had been prepared for illegal export, an act that contravenes existing laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products within the country.
Describing fuel smuggling as a major threat to national economic stability, Aliyu said the illicit trade deprives the government of vital revenue, disrupts the domestic fuel supply chain, creates artificial shortages and strengthens criminal networks, while undermining ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector.
He stressed that the public auction was conducted in line with legal provisions to ensure the seized fuel is returned to the legitimate domestic market rather than finding its way back into illegal distribution channels.
The Customs official explained that representatives of relevant government agencies, security organisations, civil society groups and the media participated in the exercise to guarantee transparency and accountability throughout the disposal process.
Aliyu also acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Nuhu Ribadu, for promoting stronger collaboration among security agencies. He further commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for its regulatory oversight, as well as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for providing strategic leadership to Operation Whirlwind.
Warning those involved in fuel smuggling, Aliyu said the Service would continue to identify, intercept and dismantle criminal networks engaged in the illegal diversion of petroleum products. He also urged residents of border communities to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, noting that tackling smuggling requires collective public participation.
Operation Whirlwind was established as a national initiative to combat the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products, with the goal of safeguarding Nigeria's energy security, protecting government revenue and ensuring that fuel intended for domestic use reaches legitimate consumers.
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