Operatives of Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have foiled a smuggling attempt, seizing three truckloads of petrol at the Seme border area in Lagos State.

The seizure was made possible through the diligent efforts of Customs operatives, who have intensified surveillance and enforcement operations across key border communities in the South-West region.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, while showcasing the seizure at the Customs Training College in Ikeja on Friday, disclosed that over 1,650 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), worth N40.7 million, were also intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind along the Owode-Apa area of Badagry.

The CGC stated that the consignments, which have been handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further investigation, would serve as a deterrent to others.

Addressing journalists during the handover ceremony at the Customs Training College, Adeniyi added that the contraband was intercepted at various locations between Badagry, Owode-Apa, Seme, and other routes within Lagos State.

Adeniyi, represented at the event by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Abubakar Aliyu, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, said the contraband was seized over the past nine weeks.

“In the space of nine weeks, our operatives relentlessly intensified surveillance and enforcement operations across critical border communities. As a result, a total of 1,630 jerrycans of 25 litres each were intercepted across notorious smuggling routes including Adodo, Seme, Owode-Apa, Ajilete, Idjaun, Ilaro, Badagry, Idiroko and Imeko axis. The total duty paid value of the PMS is N40.7m,” Adeniyi said.

He added that the three tankers intercepted as means of conveyance were carrying 60,000, 45,000, and 49,000 litres respectively, amounting to 154,000 litres of PMS.

According to him, the interception was not accidental but the outcome of intelligence-driven operations and the vigilant, uncompromising resolve of Operation Whirlwind in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and energy security.

He explained that the transportation and movement of petroleum products are governed by clearly defined regulatory frameworks and standard operating procedures to prevent diversion, smuggling, hoarding, and economic sabotage.

“These items in question were found to have contravened the established Standard Operating Procedures of Operation Whirlwind,” Adeniyi emphasised, noting that such violations undermine government policy, distort market stability, and deprive the nation of critical revenue.

He stressed that the border corridors of Owode, Seme, and Badagry remain sensitive economic arteries.

“These routes have historically been exploited for illegal cross-border petroleum movement. However, let it be clearly stated: under our watch, there will be no safe haven for economic sabotage,” he warned.

The CGC mentioned that, in line with the service’s operational mandate and the established inter-agency collaboration framework, “We are formally handing over to NMDPRA. This action underscores institutional synergy.”

He added that while the service enforces border control and anti-smuggling mandates, NMDPRA regulates distribution and ensures compliance with downstream state laws.

“This collaboration will ensure due process, transparency and regulatory integrity,” he concluded.

Earlier, NMDPRA’s representative, Mrs. Grace Dauda, said the agency has the responsibility to ensure that petroleum products produced in Nigeria are consumed locally.

“It is unfortunate that some businessmen try to smuggle the product out of the country,” Dauda said, urging the public to work together to prevent economic sabotage.

Operation Whirlwind is a special tactical enforcement operation launched by the NCS in 2024 to crack down on cross-border smuggling of petroleum products, especially PMS, and other contraband that undermine Nigeria’s economic security and lawful trade.

It was established in response to a surge in illegal fuel diversion across Nigeria’s borders. (Daily Trust)