Customs Intercepts 14,875 Litres Of Petrol Bound For Benin Republic

The Operation Whirlwind, Zone A Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday announced the interception of 14,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from suspected smugglers in Ogun and Lagos states.
Speaking to journalists, the Coordinator of the unit, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, who disclosed that the seized petroleum products, valued at N14,875,000, would be auctioned to the public, stated that they are bound for the neighbouring Benin Republic.

Aliyu explained that the operation, which lasted four weeks, resulted in the interception of 595 jerry cans, each holding 25 litres, totalling 14,875 litres of PMS.
“Over the past four weeks, acting on credible intelligence, our operatives successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries,” he said.
He noted that the seizures were made across key smuggling routes, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and the Seme-Badagry corridor.

“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized products stands at N14,875,000. These products were earmarked for illegal export to neighbouring countries in direct contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products,” Aliyu added.
He emphasised that petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime, warning that it undermines the national economy, disrupts domestic supply, and fuels criminal networks.

“It deprives the government of vital revenue, creates artificial scarcity, and threatens national security and economic stability,” he said.
Aliyu issued a stern warning to smugglers, stressing that the unit remains committed to dismantling illegal networks.
“The era of impunity is over. Operation Whirlwind will continue to track, intercept, and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate,” he said.

He also urged residents of border communities to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
“Combating smuggling is a shared responsibility. Public cooperation is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests,” he added.
Aliyu noted that the auction of the seized petrol underscores the Service’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to protect Nigeria’s petroleum resources, assuring that enforcement, surveillance, and intelligence efforts would be strengthened across all operational zones.