Customs Intercepts ₦39.4 Million Worth of Smuggled Petrol

The Nigeria Customs Service announced on Friday that its Operation Whirlwind team seized 39,425 litres of smuggled petrol—valued at ₦39.4 million—in multiple raids across the Lagos–Ogun corridor. Eight vehicles used to transport the fuel were also impounded.

Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, speaking at a press conference at the Federal Operations Unit in Ikeja, said the success “marks another milestone by operatives in the Lagos–Ogun axis,” crediting officers’ “dedication, commitment and resilience over the past year.” Represented by Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibunu, Adeniyi noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NMDPRA, and the Attorney General’s Office had all commended Customs for the interceptions.

“On May 23, we were in Yola for a similar exercise where over 46,000 litres of seized PMS were auctioned. Today, we are conducting another auction following seizures made at Laro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, Ajilete, and other flashpoints,” Adeniyi said, adding that investigations confirmed the petrol was destined for smuggling into the Republic of Benin.

A total of 1,577 jerrycans—each holding 25 litres—were rounded up. With the vehicles valued at ₦24 million, the combined haul totals ₦63.4 million. The CGC directed that the petrol be auctioned immediately to Nigerians at ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan.

“There is no safe haven for smugglers,” Adeniyi warned. “Customs will continue disrupting illegal activities to the barest minimum.” He also highlighted that “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’, emphasised the economic cost of smuggling: “Every litre smuggled across the borders causes revenue loss, scarcity, market instability and weakens energy security. Operation Whirlwind … proves Nigeria Customs is capable of defending and securing the nation’s borders.”

Dr. Patrick Musa of the NSA’s Lagos Zonal Office (NMDPRA) praised the joint effort, stating that “NMDPRA … will continue collaborating with Customs and other agencies to stop petrol smuggling.” Mrs. Abidemi Aluko, representing the Attorney General’s Office, underscored that suspects “will face trial,” noting that illegal petroleum dealings carry “life imprisonment or a fine, including forfeiture of transport means.”

In closing, ACG Kola Oladeji thanked the CGC for providing the leadership and resources that made the operation possible and urged officers to “stay committed and intensify efforts to enhance national security.”