The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has publicly auctioned 20,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted from suspected smugglers in the Lagos-Ogun border corridor, reaffirming its determination to dismantle petroleum smuggling networks and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at the auction held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind DC Lucky Aliyu said the exercise was conducted on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as part of the Service’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the disposal of seized petroleum products.
He explained that the seized PMS comprised 820 jerry cans of 25 litres each, amounting to 20,500 litres, intercepted during intelligence-led operations across Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and the Seme-Badagry axis.
According to him, the operation also led to the seizure of five vehicles used to transport the products, with the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the fuel and vehicles estimated at ₦38 million.
The National Coordinator described Operation Whirlwind as a strategic initiative established to combat the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products, protect government revenue, strengthen Nigeria’s energy security, and ensure petroleum products reach legitimate domestic consumers.
He noted that the intercepted fuel had been earmarked for illegal export to neighbouring countries, in violation of laws regulating the movement and distribution of petroleum products.
“Petroleum smuggling remains a major threat to Nigeria’s economy. It deprives government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain, creates artificial scarcity, fuels criminal activities, and undermines ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector,” he said.
He stressed that the public auction was conducted in accordance with legal provisions to ensure the seized products are returned to the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than finding their way back into illegal channels.
The Customs boss also acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs for strengthening Operation Whirlwind through enhanced inter-agency collaboration and strategic policy direction.
He commended officers of Operation Whirlwind and partner security agencies for their professionalism and vigilance, which led to the successful interception.
Issuing a stern warning to smugglers, he declared that the operation would continue to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, and enforcement across the country’s borders.
He also urged residents of border communities to support security agencies with credible information, describing public cooperation as essential to winning the fight against petroleum smuggling.
The auction, attended by representatives of government agencies, security organisations, civil society groups, and the media, underscored the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of the nation’s economic interests.
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