Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations under Operation Whirlwind, intercepting and auctioning petroleum products valued at over N94.4 million, in what it described as part of a renewed drive to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection of national resources.
Speaking in Ibadan, Oyo State, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller-General Kola Oladiji, disclosed that officers intercepted 14,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, concealed in a tanker truck (Reg. No. DGB 722 XR) along the Igbeti–Ogbomoso Road, en route to the Republic of Benin for alleged illegal export.
Oladiji said the successful operation was driven by credible intelligence and swift field response, reflecting the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security and ensure that petroleum products remain available for domestic use.
“This interception is not just about a tanker or a quantity of fuel; it is about protecting our economy, ensuring accountability in the downstream petroleum sector, and upholding the rights of Nigerians against unpatriotic profiteering,” Oladiji said.
He explained that the seized PMS was auctioned transparently in Ibadan at N600 per litre, in accordance with Customs regulations, allowing residents of nearby communities to benefit directly from the exercise.
“The Ibadan auction was conducted in the open, with full compliance to due process. Our aim is not only to deter smugglers but also to ensure seized products serve the people rather than waste away,” he added.
In a separate operation within the Lagos–Ogun border corridor, Operation Whirlwind also intercepted 1,980 jerrycans containing 49,500 litres of PMS valued at N80.4 million at multiple smuggling flashpoints including Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Badagry, Owode-Idiroko, and Imeko.
The Lagos operation, according to Oladiji, led to the sealing of a filling station identified as Adeola-Ade Plc over infractions related to the handling and storage of petroleum products. A suspect apprehended during the operation was later released on administrative bail after fulfilling legal requirements.
“These collective operations underscore our renewed commitment to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and dismantle smuggling networks that undermine the nation’s stability,” he said.
Oladiji commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, under Malam Nuhu Ribadu for its intelligence support, and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and institutional backing.
“Operation Whirlwind remains committed to combating fuel diversion and smuggling. We will continue to collaborate with sister agencies and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to ensure full compliance and accountability in the downstream sector,” he assured.
The Customs chief called on Nigerians to support the Service with actionable intelligence, stressing that national resource protection requires collective vigilance.
“The fight against economic sabotage is a shared responsibility. We urge patriotic citizens to provide credible information that will help secure our national assets and ensure Nigeria’s resources serve Nigerians first,” Oladiji concluded.
