By Aisha Cole
Lagos, March 3, 2025 (NAN) – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 245,370 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at NGN 238.1 million, in less than three months.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, made this announcement during a news conference in Lagos on Monday, highlighting the significant successes of Operation Whirlwind at the Federal Operations Unit in Ikeja.
Adeniyi confirmed that, within a short span, Operation Whirlwind had seized a total of 245,370 liters of petrol with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of NGN 238,140,000. He emphasized the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests and ensuring that the benefits of government policies reach all citizens.
The Customs boss commended Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Hussein Ejibuno, and his team for their role in protecting the economy and national security through these operations.
“A single liter of petroleum product smuggled across borders represents a loss of revenue, fuels domestic scarcity, destabilizes the market, and undermines our citizens’ energy security,” Adeniyi stated. “Our intelligence has shown that price discrepancies between regions drive this illegal trade, fostering a lucrative black market that weakens Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.”
He further revealed that the latest figures exclude seizures from routine operations and regular command structures, which have also yielded results. Adeniyi referred to earlier successes, including the interception of 199,495 liters of petrol valued at NGN 199,495,000 in Adamawa State on January 30, 2025, and 45,875 liters of petrol worth NGN 38,645,000 in Kwara State on February 17, 2025.
The Comptroller-General also pointed out that Zone A, which covers the Lagos and Ogun axis, has been a focal point in the fight against smuggling, given its strategic location along the Republic of Benin’s western border. Between January 11 and February 23, 2025, officers in the region seized 28,300 liters of PMS, which were being diverted using various smuggling techniques.
“The NCS continues to combat a national challenge that threatens our economic stability and energy security. Despite the government’s market reforms and supply chain improvements, criminal networks continue exploiting regional disparities for illicit gains,” Adeniyi explained. “These groups are persistent, constantly evolving their methods to bypass enforcement measures.”
He stressed that the operation’s success highlights the importance of strategic inter-agency collaboration in addressing national security threats, particularly in the area of petroleum product smuggling.
In his remarks, ACG Hussein Ejibuno, head of Operation Whirlwind, thanked the Comptroller-General and the NCS management for their unwavering support, enabling his team to carry out successful operations. Ejibuno also reported the seizure of three vehicles used for smuggling and the arrest of two suspects, who are currently facing trial.
Operation Whirlwind remains a key initiative in the ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria’s economic and energy security.
