Nigerian Customs Seizes Over 245,000 Liters of Petrol Worth N238.1m in Three Months
Bashir Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), announced that its Operation Whirlwind successfully intercepted 245,370 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in under three months, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of NGN 238.1 million.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, Adeniyi highlighted the achievements of Operation Whirlwind, particularly its recent successes in seizing substantial quantities of petrol. The operation, based at the Federal Operations Unit in Ikeja, resulted in a cumulative total of 245,370 liters of petrol, valued at NGN 238,140,000, being seized.
He reiterated the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests and ensuring the full benefits of government policies reach all citizens. Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to the leader of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibuno, and his team for their dedication in protecting the nation’s economy and national security.
Adeniyi emphasized that each liter of petrol smuggled across Nigeria’s borders represents a loss of vital revenue and contributes to domestic scarcity, market instability, and a compromised energy security system. “Our intelligence indicates that significant price differences between regions are the driving force behind this illegal trade, fueling a profitable black market that harms Nigeria’s economic stability,” he said.
The figures provided do not include the seizures made through regular command structures or Federal Operations Units. Adeniyi previously reported other major successes, including a seizure of 199,495 liters of petrol, valued at NGN 199,495,000, in Adamawa State on January 30, and an additional 45,875 liters worth NGN 38,645,000, seized in Kwara on February 17, 2025.
The NCS also recorded significant progress in Zone “A,” which encompasses the Lagos and Ogun areas. This region, a commercial hub and a high-risk area for cross-border smuggling, saw successful operations between January 11 and February 23, resulting in the interception of 28,300 liters of petrol. These products were being smuggled using various concealment methods and techniques.
Despite government efforts to stabilize the domestic petroleum market, Adeniyi warned that criminal networks continue to exploit regional economic disparities for illicit gains. He stressed that these networks have become increasingly sophisticated in evading enforcement measures, undermining the nation’s economic foundations through the illegal diversion of key resources.
Adeniyi further emphasized that the success of Operation Whirlwind underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling the complex security challenges facing the country.
In response, ACG Hussein Ejibuno praised the leadership of the Comptroller-General and the NCS management for their unwavering support, which enabled the team to achieve notable operational successes. Ejibuno also reported the seizure of three vehicles used for smuggling and the arrest of two suspects, who are now facing legal action.
