Customs Busts Fuel Smuggling Syndicate in Southwest, Auctions Seized Fuel
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its special enforcement unit, Operation Whirlwind, has dismantled a coordinated criminal network involved in the illegal exportation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Southwest border corridor.
The breakthrough was disclosed during a press briefing held at the Customs Training College Ikeja on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, where the National Coordinator of the unit, Abubakar Aliyu, outlined the outcome of recent intelligence-driven operations.
According to him, sustained enforcement actions led to the interception of 14,875 litres of PMS, concealed in 544 jerrycans of 24 litres each.
“Over the past few weeks, our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, successfully dismantled a coordinated network of smugglers engaged in the illegal export of PMS to neighbouring countries,” Aliyu stated.
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He explained that the seizures were made across multiple strategic smuggling routes, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and the Seme-Badagry axis—areas identified as key transit points for cross-border fuel diversion.
Aliyu further disclosed that the seized products have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦14,875,000.
In accordance with extant regulations, the confiscated PMS was auctioned at subsidised rates to members of the public, a measure aimed at reintegrating the product into the legitimate domestic market while preventing its re-diversion into illicit channels.
“This auction process is being conducted in collaboration with relevant government agencies, security operatives, and the media to guarantee transparency, accountability, and integrity,” he added.
The National Coordinator also acknowledged the strategic oversight of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), noting that its directives have significantly enhanced inter-agency coordination and operational effectiveness in ongoing anti-smuggling efforts.
The latest operation underscores the NCS’s renewed commitment to curbing petroleum product smuggling, safeguarding national revenue, and strengthening border security across critical corridors.
