The Nigeria Customs Service has auctioned 22,175 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) seized during anti-smuggling operations along the Lagos-Ogun border corridor, alongside five vehicles allegedly used to transport the products.
The auction, conducted on Monday at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, followed recent interceptions by officers of Operation Whirlwind as part of efforts to curb the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.
The seized petrol was contained in 887 jerry cans, each holding 25 litres. The Customs Service said the combined Duty Paid Value of the petroleum products and vehicles was estimated at about N32 million.
The interceptions were made at several identified smuggling flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme-Badagry.
Speaking during the auction, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Raphael Aliyu, said the exercise was conducted on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Aliyu said the disposal of the seized products was part of the Service’s commitment to transparency and compliance with lawful procedures for handling confiscated petroleum products.
He described Operation Whirlwind as a specialised enforcement initiative established to disrupt the diversion and illegal exportation of petroleum products intended for domestic consumption.
According to him, the operation is also aimed at protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and strengthening the country’s energy security.
Aliyu said Customs had intensified surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement along routes identified as major channels for petroleum smuggling.
He warned that the crackdown would continue, describing the operation as “resolute, relentless and intelligence-driven.”
The coordinator said the Service would continue to identify and dismantle smuggling networks, adding that suspects apprehended in connection with such activities would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He commended personnel of Operation Whirlwind Zone A for their efforts and acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Aliyu also urged residents of border communities to provide security agencies with information on suspicious movements of petroleum products.
He said cooperation between government agencies and communities remained essential to curbing petroleum smuggling and protecting products meant for domestic consumption.
