The Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) Operation Whirlwind has seized 39,425 litres of illegal petroleum products and eight cars that were used to transport them, totalling N63,425,000, in the Lagos and Ogun axis.
According to investigations, the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) that was seized was headed for nearby nations, notably the Benin Republic.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Kehinde Ejibunu, stated during a speech at the Customs Training School in Ikeja, Lagos, that the interceptions were carried out in a number of smuggling hotspots in Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, Ajilete, and the surrounding areas.
“A total of 1,577 jerrycans of PMS, each containing 25 litres, amounting to 39,425 litres, were seized, along with eight vehicles used as means of conveyance,” Ejibunu stated.
He added that the duty-paid value of the seized fuel stood at N39.4 million, while the vehicles were valued at N24 million, bringing the total to N63.425 million.
Ejibunu stressed that there would be no haven for smugglers or economic saboteurs, assuring that the NCS will continue to clamp down on illicit activities.
Following the directive of the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, the seized fuel was auctioned to the public at a subsidised rate of ₦10,000 per 25 litres.
Ejibunu also acknowledged the vital support of key partners, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Attorney General’s office, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), noting that their collaboration was crucial to the operation’s success.