Customs: Operation Whirlwind intercepts fuel worth ₦58.36m at notorious flashpoints
Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 35,535 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, worth ₦58.36 million, at several notorious smuggling flashpoints known for fuel diversion.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed the development during a news briefing held in Lagos on Friday.
The conference focused on petroleum product interceptions by Operation Whirlwind in Zone A.
Adeniyi said the zone, acting on intelligence and a renewed mandate, intercepted 1,134 jerrycans (25/30 litres) and 33 drums of PMS totalling 35,535 litres.
He was represented by Assistant Comptroller-General, Hussein Ejibunu, who said the seizures were made across flashpoints within Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Badagry, Owode, Eree, and Obada Imeko.
His words “Today, I’m pleased to announce a major breakthrough by Operation Whirlwind officers across Lagos and Ogun States.
“Over the past two to three weeks, our officers have significantly countered PMS smuggling attempts aimed at illegal export to the Republic of Benin.
“These products, hidden and prepared for illegal export, were seized alongside six vehicles used to convey the items.
“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of both the seized fuel and vehicles amounts to ₦58.36 million.”
The Comptroller-General said these seizures highlight the efficiency and precision of Customs’ anti-smuggling operations.
He noted that the development demonstrates Customs’ commitment to fighting economic sabotage and protecting national energy security.
“The smuggling of PMS causes revenue losses and worsens pressures on the country’s fragile fuel supply chain.
“At a time of energy distribution challenges, we cannot allow saboteurs to endanger national interest for personal gain,” he said.
Adeniyi said these efforts reflect the service’s dedication to economic protection, asset security, and anti-smuggling enforcement.
He added that surveillance and enforcement have been intensified in smuggling-prone areas across the country.
He specially called on border communities, to support Customs with timely and accurate intelligence on smuggling activities.
Meanwhile, Adeniyi revealed that the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A Ikeja, intercepted goods valued at ₦1.78 billion between June 3 and July 18.
He also said Customs recovered ₦95.59 million in underpaid duties within the same period.
Adeniyi gave breakdown of the major seizures during the period under review such as: 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg) each) equivalent to 6 trailer loads and 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp).
"Other seizure Intercepted are 7,900 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – in 316 jerry cans of 25 liters each, 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing, 41 sacks and bags of used footwear, 14 units of used (“Tokunbo”) vehicles, 148 pieces of used tyres, 42 used gas cylinders, 31 units of air conditioning systems and 95 cartons of frozen poultry products.
"Other notable seizures include 1X40FT container with container number TRHU 83907321 fully loaded with used tyres, 1X20FT with container number ONEU241369 containing medicaments. Others are 2X40FT with containers numbers MSKU 4796036, MAEU 9205708, and one truck with container body conveying used fridges, foreign supermarket items and used clothes . All the containers were wrongly declared to invade duties,"Adeniyi said.
Nine suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures; six received administrative bail while three others were handed to security agencies.
The Comptroller-General commended Operation Whirlwind, led by ACG Ejibunu, and FOU Zone A Comptroller Mohammad Shau’aib, for their exemplary service.
He said beyond enforcement, the Unit ensures compliance with import and export laws.
Adeniyi said Customs continues to investigate false declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue appropriate Demand Notices (DNs).
He stressed the FOU’s vital role in facilitating trade while balancing security with economic development through intelligence-driven operations.
The intercepted cannabis sativa was handed to NDLEA Deputy Commander for Assets and Finance, Nasir Bungudu.
