Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted and auctioned 14,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) allegedly destined for illegal export, as part of intensified efforts to curb petroleum smuggling across Nigeria’s borders.
The seizure was carried out by the Service’s special anti-smuggling task force, Operation Whirlwind, with the public auction held on Tuesday at the Customs Training College, Ikeja.
National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Abubakar Aliyu, said the intercepted products—packed in 595 jerry-cans of 25 litres each—were recovered from major smuggling corridors including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme-Badagry.
He disclosed that the confiscated PMS, valued at ₦14.875 million, is being auctioned at ₦630 per litre, in line with Customs’ commitment to transparency and due process.
According to Aliyu, the four-week operation was executed through credible intelligence and sustained enforcement.
“Operation Whirlwind is a targeted initiative designed to prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders. Its core aim is to safeguard the nation’s economic interests, strengthen energy security, and ensure that products meant for local consumption are not diverted,” he said.
He explained that the team dismantled a coordinated smuggling network attempting to ferry PMS into neighbouring countries, stressing that the illicit act directly undermines the economy.
“Petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime. It deprives government of critical revenue, disrupts domestic supply chains and fuels criminal networks that threaten national security,” Aliyu warned.
He added that auctioning the seized PMS ensures the products are returned to the legitimate market instead of entering illegal channels.
Aliyu urged border communities and the general public to support the Service by providing timely intelligence, insisting that the era of impunity for petroleum smugglers is over.
He reaffirmed that Operation Whirlwind will intensify surveillance and enforcement across all zones to eliminate petroleum diversion and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.