KEY POINTS
- Customs seized 1,650 jerrycans of petrol valued at N40.7 million across Lagos border communities.
- Three tankers carrying 154,000 litres of PMS were also intercepted.
- Seized products handed to NMDPRA for investigation and regulatory action.
The Nigeria Customs Service on Friday handed over 1,650 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit valued at N40.7 million to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. The move is part of efforts to curb fuel smuggling along key border routes in Lagos State.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the petrol was intercepted in Badagry, Owode, Seme and other border communities during enforcement operations.
Adeniyi was represented at the ceremony by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller General Abubakar Aliyu. The event held at the Customs Training College in Ikeja.
Nine week enforcement across border communities
Customs said the seizures were made over nine weeks. Operatives stepped up surveillance along routes known for cross border fuel diversion.
Adeniyi said 1,650 jerrycans of 25 litres each were confiscated. The seizures were made in Adodo, Seme, Owode Apa, Ajilete, Idjaun, Ilaro, Badagry, Idiroko and Imeko. He put the total duty paid value at N40.7 million.
Officers also intercepted three tankers carrying PMS. The tankers contained 60,000 litres, 45,000 litres and 49,000 litres. In total, 154,000 litres were seized.
Customs described the operation as intelligence driven. Officials said it is part of a wider push to stop illegal export of petroleum products and protect government revenue.
Authorities warn against economic sabotage
Adeniyi said the movement of petroleum products is guided by clear regulations and procedures. These rules are meant to prevent diversion and hoarding.
He said the seized products breached the standard operating procedures of Operation Whirlwind. The unit was created to tackle petroleum smuggling.
Such acts, he said, weaken government policy and distort the market. They also deprive the country of needed revenue.
According to Owode, Seme and Badagry remain sensitive border corridors, Adeniyi said. He warned that smugglers will not find a haven.
Inter agency collaboration to tighten oversight
Customs said the handover shows cooperation between agencies. Customs handles border enforcement. NMDPRA regulates distribution and compliance in the downstream sector.
According to Punch, Grace Dauda, who represented NMDPRA, said the agency works to ensure petroleum products meant for Nigeria are used within the country.
She called fuel smuggling a threat to economic stability. She urged the public to support efforts to stop illegal diversion.
Operation Whirlwind was launched in 2024 to address rising cases of fuel smuggling and other contraband. Authorities say it remains key to protecting energy security and improving oversight of fuel distribution.
