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Customs Operation Whirlwind Intercepts 41,250 Liters Of PMS

By Anne Ejuka

...Hands Over 3 Seized Tankers To NMDPRA

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The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 1,650 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, valued at N40.7 million and also handed over three Seized petrol tankers to Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

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‎Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Friday, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abubakar Aliyu, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the seized PMS totalling 41,250 litres was intercepted in the last few weeks at notorious smuggling corridors, including Owode-Apa, Seme Border, Badagry and other flashpoints in Lagos State .

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‎“In the space of nine weeks, our operatives intensified surveillance and enforcement operations across critical border communities. As a result, 1,630 jerry cans of 25 litres each were intercepted across routes such as Adodo, Seme, Oode Apa, Ajilete, Idjaun, Ilaro, Badagry, Idiroko and Imeko axis. The total duty paid value of the PMS is N40.7 million,” he said.

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‎The Coordinator further revealed that three tankers used as means of conveyance were also impounded. The trucks were carrying 60,000 litres, 45,000 litres and 49,000 litres respectively bringing the total volume of intercepted fuel in the tankers to 154,000 litres.

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‎He also noted that the seizures were intelligence-driven and part of the ongoing enforcement efforts under Operation Whirlwind, a special anti-smuggling initiative launched in 2024 to combat cross-border diversion and smuggling of petroleum products.

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‎Speaking further, DC Aliyu emphasized that movement and transportation of petroleum products are governed by established regulatory frameworks designed to prevent diversion, hoarding and economic sabotage, adding ”the seized products violated the Standard Operating Procedures, (SOP)  guiding petroleum distribution around the board areas”m I.

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While handing over the seized petroleum products and fuel tankers formally to NMDPRA, Aliyu said the handover underscores institutional synergy and Agencies collaboration, explaining that while the Customs Service enforces border control and anti-smuggling laws, NMDPRA regulates distribution and ensures compliance with downstream petroleum regulations.

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‎DC Aliyu commended the CGC for his untiring support, the efforts of the NMDPRA, the office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, and the press.

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‎He also appealed to the public to cooperate with their operation noting that economic security is a collective responsibility. "If you see something suspicious, say something".  National development thrives when citizens and enforcement agencies work hand in hand”, he said.

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‎A representative of NMDPRA, Mrs Grace Dauda, in her remarks restated the mandate of her agency which is to ensure petroleum products meant for domestic consumption remains in the country.

‎“It is unfortunate that some businessmen attempt to smuggle these products out of the country. We urge the public to collaborate with authorities to put an end to this economic sabotage” she stated.

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