Customs reintegrates 14,875 litres seized petrol into supply chain, intensifies anti-smuggling drive

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Nigeria Customs Service has reintegrated 14,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into the domestic supply chain following the public auction of products seized from smugglers along key border corridors in Ogun and Lagos states.

The auction, conducted under Operation Whirlwind, forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal exportation of petroleum products while ensuring that seized commodities are returned to legitimate use within the country.

Speaking during the exercise in Lagos, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Abubakar Aliyu, said the products—valued at ₦14,875,000—were intercepted across Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme-Badagry axes following intelligence-driven enforcement operations.

“This exercise ensures that seized petroleum products are not lost or diverted but are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain in line with due process and transparency,” Aliyu stated.

He explained that the seizures were the outcome of sustained surveillance and targeted operations aimed at dismantling smuggling networks involved in the illegal movement of fuel to neighbouring countries.

“Over the past four weeks, acting on credible intelligence, our operatives successfully disrupted a coordinated smuggling network engaged in the illegal exportation of PMS,” he said.

A total of 595 jerry cans of 25 litres each were recovered during the operations, with the products originally intended for cross-border smuggling in violation of national regulations.

Aliyu described fuel smuggling as a major threat to Nigeria’s economy and energy security, warning that it contributes to revenue losses and artificial scarcity in the domestic market.

“Petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime. It undermines the national economy, disrupts supply, and fuels criminal networks that threaten economic stability,” he noted.

He stressed that the public auction was carried out in strict compliance with legal provisions, with the participation of security agencies, regulatory bodies, civil society organisations, and the media to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Customs official also acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Nuhu Ribadu, for strengthening inter-agency collaboration, as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for its regulatory oversight.

He commended the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for sustaining the momentum of anti-smuggling operations nationwide.

Reaffirming the agency’s resolve, Aliyu issued a stern warning to perpetrators, declaring that enforcement efforts would be sustained and intensified.

“The era of impunity is over. Operation Whirlwind remains proactive and intelligence-driven. We will continue to track, intercept, and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate,” he warned.

He also called on residents of border communities to support enforcement agencies with timely and credible information, emphasising that combating smuggling requires collective responsibility.

Aliyu assured that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement strategies across all operational zones to safeguard Nigeria’s petroleum resources and ensure they serve the best interests of citizens.