Operation Whirlwind, the speciialized enforcement unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has shown evidence of delivery of its mandate as it has intercepted no fewer than three tankers laden with 154,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol.
The three tankers with capacities of 60,000, 49,000, and 45,000 litres respectively were seized for illegal diversion along the Owode Apa, Seme and Baragry axis of Lagos State.
In the same vein, no fewer than 1,630 jerry cans of 25 litres each amounting to 40,750 litres were also seized across notorious smuggling routes including Ado- Odo, Seme, Owode Apa, Ajilete, Ijoun, Iaro, Badagry, Idiroko, Eree and Imeko axis within nine weeks.
The three tankers and the products were handed over to officials of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for appropriate sanctions.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this to journalists at Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos at the weekend where the tankers and the seized products were on display.
Adeniyi who was represented at the press briefing by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller General (DCG), Lucky Aliyu revealed that the products valued at N40, 750,000 were subsequently auctioned to members of the public.
His words: “In a space of nine weeks, our operatives relentlessly intensified surveillance and enforcement operation across critical borders communities. As a result, a monumental volume of 1,630 jerry cans of 25 litres each of PMS yielding a total of 40,750 litres were seized across notorious smuggling routes including Ado-Odo, Seme, Semer, Owod Apa, Ajilete, Ijoun, Iaro, Badagry, Idiroko, Eree and Imeko axis. The total duty paid value (DPV) of intercepted 1,630 jerry cans litres each of PMS product is in the tune of N40, 750, 000.”
The NCS boss emphasized that the operation is intelligence driven and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s energy security even as he pointed out that the transportation and movement of petroleum products are governed by a clearly defined regulation framework and standard operating procedure established to prevent diversion, smuggling, hoarding and economic sabotage.
Continuing, Adeniyi said: “The items in question were found to have contravened the established standard operating procedure (SOP) of Operation Whirlwind. Such violation undermines government policy, distorts market stability and deprives our nation of critical revenue. The border corridors of Owode Apa, Seme and Baragry remain sensitive economic actors.
“These routes have historically been exploited by illegal cross-border petroleum movement. However, let it be clearly stated, under our watch, there will be no safe haven for economic sabotage.”
According to him, the seized fuel tankers were handed over to officials of NMDPRA in line with established interagency collaboration for appropriate sanctions.
“This singular action underscores institutional synergy. While the Nigeria Customs Service enforces border control and smuggling mandate, NMDPRA regulates distribution and ensures compliance with the downstream state. This collaboration ensures due process, transparency and regulates safety and integrity.
“The public auction is in line with the regulatory procedure that demonstrates our commitment to accountability. They are processed strictly in line with external law and guidelines,” the CGC added.
He explained that Operation Whirlwind is not against legitimate trade but against those who circumvent national laws for personal gains.
He lauded NMDPRA for their technical expertise, noting that their robust regulatory framework ensures that enforcement actions align with global best practices while at the same time addressing systemic vulnerabilities within the petroleum distribution chain.
The NCS helmsman lauded operatives of Operation Whirlwind, attributing the success of the operation to their professionalism, vigilance, discipline and courage.
A representative of NMDPRA, Mrs. Grace Dauda had earlier told journalists that the agency has the responsibility to ensure that petroleum products produced in the country are consumed here.
“It is unfortunate that some few businessmen, instead of ensuring that this product is consumed within Nigeria attempt to take it across neighboring countries. It is in the light of this that the NMDPRA in conjunction with the Nigeria Customs Service, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, have ensured that all products that is being attempted to be smuggled out of the country are intercepted,” Dauda added.
