The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its campaign against the illegal export of petroleum products, intercepting 20,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and five vehicles in a major operation targeting cross-border smuggling syndicates.
The seizures were carried out by the Service’s anti-smuggling task force, Operation Whirlwind, following intelligence-led operations across key smuggling corridors linking Lagos and Ogun states to neighbouring countries.
According to the NCS, the confiscated petrol was stored in 820 jerrycans of 25 litres each and intercepted at known smuggling routes including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and the Seme-Badagry axis. The combined duty-paid value of the seized fuel and vehicles was estimated at ₦38 million.
Speaking during the public auction of the seized products at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Lucky Aliyu, said the petrol was intended for illegal export in violation of Nigeria’s laws regulating the distribution of petroleum products.
Aliyu described fuel smuggling as a major economic and security challenge, warning that the illicit trade undermines government revenue, disrupts domestic fuel supply, fuels artificial scarcity and strengthens criminal networks operating along Nigeria’s borders.
He said the Customs Service would continue deploying intelligence, surveillance and inter-agency collaboration to dismantle organised smuggling rings and protect Nigeria’s strategic energy assets.
The latest seizure comes as authorities continue efforts to curb fuel diversion following the deregulation of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market. Although the removal of petrol subsidies has narrowed price differences between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, cross-border smuggling remains profitable in some border communities due to exchange rate movements and regional price disparities.
Industry analysts say sustained enforcement is critical to protecting domestic fuel availability and supporting ongoing reforms aimed at creating a more transparent and market-driven petroleum sector.
Aliyu noted that the public auction of the seized petrol was conducted in line with approved procedures and under the supervision of relevant government agencies, security organisations, civil society groups and the media. He said the process was designed to ensure transparency while returning the products to the legitimate domestic supply chain.
He also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for supporting Operation Whirlwind through intelligence sharing and technical collaboration.
According to the Customs Service, Operation Whirlwind will continue to serve as a key national initiative to combat petroleum smuggling, strengthen border security and safeguard Nigeria’s energy and economic interests.
