By Correspondent in Lagos.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 39,425 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at over ₦39.4 million along the Lagos–Ogun corridor,in a major crackdown on cross-border fuel smuggling.
Our correspondent reports that the illicit cargo, concealed in 1,577 25-litre jerrycans and ferried, using eight vehicles,, was seized during a targeted intelligence-driven operation by the anti-smuggling taskforce, Operation Whirlwind, initiated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Addressing journalists at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Ikeja, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of the operation, confirmed that the smuggled fuel was headed for Benin Republic, where black-market profits continue to fuel a dangerous economic sabotage network.
“This is organized economic crime, plain and simple, “We are dismantling a smuggling syndicate determined to bleed our economy and undermine national energy security,,”Ejibunu stated.
He said that the operation, backed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and ONSA, led to the arrest of four suspects, all of whom are now under investigation for petroleum-related crimes and facing prosecution.
Legal representative Mrs. Abidemi Aluko, from the Attorney General’s office, confirmed that the suspects would be charged under federal laws prohibiting the illegal transport and trade of petroleum products offences which could attract life imprisonment or forfeiture of assets, including vehicles used in the smuggling attempt.
“This is a criminal offence under Nigerian law. “It is not business as usual. We are committed to prosecuting and punishing all individuals involved in this sabotage of our national economy,”Aluko emphasized.
The Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, represented at the briefing, ordered the immediate public auction of the seized fuel at ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan, directing the proceeds into national revenue.
He said that there would be no safe haven for smugglers, warning that ,“Customs is determined to choke off the oxygen from criminal smuggling cartels. The integrity of our borders will not be compromised.”
Officials confirmed that no weapons were discharged during the operation, highlighting the professionalism of the customs officers involved.
Contributing,Comptroller Charles Orbih, Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, described the smuggling as a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability, stating that every litre siphoned across the border represents a loss of revenue and an attack on the welfare of citizens.
Patrick Musa of NMDPRA echoed the sentiment: “Smuggling disrupts our distribution system and creates artificial scarcity. Our partnership with Customs is vital to halt this menace,” he added.
Our recalls that launched in 2025 as a joint-security task force to fight petroleum smuggling, Operation Whirlwind has since seized tens of thousands of litres of fuel and secured multiple arrests, reinforcing Nigeria’s resolve to protect its economic interests and uphold the rule of law.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
