Fuel Smugglers Face Stiffer Crackdown as Customs Intercepts 28,300 Litres of PMS
…Operation Whirlwind Ramps Up Enforcement, Seizes Fuel Worth N35.8 Million
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has issued a stern warning to smugglers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), declaring that harsher enforcement measures will be implemented as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intensifies its campaign against fuel smuggling.
This declaration came on Monday, 3 March 2025, during a press briefing at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, where the CGC announced the interception of 28,300 litres of PMS, valued at N35.8 million, by officers of Operation Whirlwind along the Lagos-Ogun border region.
Unyielding Commitment to National Energy Security
Reiterating the NCS’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s energy security and economic stability, Adeniyi described fuel smuggling as a direct threat to the nation’s economic well-being.
“What we are witnessing is not just routine customs violations but a systematic attempt to undermine Nigeria’s economic foundations through the diversion of strategic national resources,” he stated.
He further revealed that in less than three months, Operation Whirlwind had recorded cumulative seizures of 245,370 litres of PMS, amounting to N238.14 million in value. Notably, this figure does not include the latest seizure or those made through regular command structures and the Federal Operations Units.
Lagos-Ogun Axis: A Hotbed for Smuggling
Adeniyi underscored the increasing vigilance of Operation Whirlwind, particularly in Zone ‘A’, covering the Lagos-Ogun axis, where intelligence-led operations between 11 January and 23 February 2025 led to the interception of 28,300 litres of PMS. These seizures, which involved various smuggling methods, carried a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N35.8 million.
Providing details of the confiscated items, he disclosed that 1,132 jerrycans of 25 litres each were seized, along with three vehicles used for transportation—a Toyota Camry, a Volkswagen, and another Toyota Camry.
The CGC further identified key smuggling routes where these interceptions occurred:
Badagry-Seme Axis (35%) – The most active smuggling corridor.
Imeko-Afon Axis (25%) – A rapidly growing hotspot in Ogun State.
Ilaro-Ojodan Network (22%) – Increasingly exploited due to its remoteness.
Owode-Ajilete Route (18%) – Gaps in enforcement being leveraged by smugglers.
A Stronger Response to Smuggling Networks
Vowing tougher action, Adeniyi warned that the NCS would continue to evolve its strategies to stay ahead of fuel smugglers.
“Let me be clear: there will be no safe haven for smugglers in our operational areas. We shall continue to adapt our strategies to counter the dynamic tactics of these economic saboteurs. We will deploy additional resources and adopt even more stringent measures to ensure that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption are secured for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
Commendation for Operation Whirlwind Officers
The CGC commended the Operation Whirlwind team across the country, led by Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibunu, praising their vigilance, integrity, and resilience in tackling smuggling activities despite significant operational challenges.
With the Nigeria Customs Service ramping up enforcement efforts, fuel smugglers now face a more formidable crackdown, as the Service remains resolute in its mission to curb the illegal diversion of Nigeria’s petroleum resources.
