Customs’ Operation Whirlwind Crushes Smuggling Ring, Sells Seized Fuel at Subsidised Rate
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under Operation Whirlwind, has dealt another significant blow to fuel smuggling cartels, seizing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth over ₦63 million in the Lagos-Ogun axis.
At a press briefing held at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, 30 May 2025, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Hussein Ejibunu, hailed the seizure as a major success in the fight against economic sabotage.
“There is no safe haven for smugglers or economic saboteurs. We will continue to disrupt their activities and reduce them to the barest minimum,” he declared.
According to ACG Ejibunu, operatives intercepted 1,577 jerrycans of 25 litres each—totalling 39,425 litres of PMS—along with eight vehicles used for transportation.
The seizures were made in smuggling hotspots including Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete. Investigations revealed the products were bound for illegal export across the border to Benin Republic.
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The fuel has a duty-paid value of ₦39,425,000, while the vehicles are valued at ₦24,000,000—bringing the total to ₦63,425,000.
Ejibunu praised the dedication of the officers involved, noting the progress made within one year of the operation. “It may interest you to know that in just one year, significant milestones have been achieved across all zones. This is due to the commitment, discipline, and resilience of the operatives,” he said.
To ensure the public benefits directly, he announced the immediate auction of the seized fuel at a subsidised rate of ₦10,000 per jerrycan, as approved by Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
He also acknowledged the support of key partners, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Office of the Attorney General.
Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, commended the ongoing success of Operation Whirlwind. “This landmark achievement reflects the determination and unwavering commitment of our officers to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and national security,” he said.
