The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday announced the interception of 28,300 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol in the Zone A command of the service.
Speaking while parading some seized jerry cans of petrol at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, the Comptroller General of the service, Adewale Adeniyi, said Ogun State contributed 65 per cent while Lagos contributed 35 per cent to fuel smuggling in the South West zone.
According to the Customs boss, the comprehensive analysis of the pattern of seizures across the axis reveals significant insights into the dynamic smuggling tactics and dominant routes being exploited by these saboteurs.
He stated further that the Imeko-Afon axis in Ogun State contributes 25 per cent of total seizures while Ilaro-Ojodan contributes 22 per cent, and the d Owode-Ajilete route is responsible for 18 per cent, making a total of 65 per cent.
“The first corridor is the Badagry-Seme corridor, which accounts for approximately 35 per cent of the total seizures,” Adeniyi said.
Adeniyi emphasised that the axis remains the primary smuggling route, with multiple interceptions recorded along the Badagry-Seme routes and its waterside.
He mentioned that the proximity to the Republic of Benin and the complex network of waterways in the area continue to make it a preferred route for smugglers.
“The second identified corridor is the Imeko-Afon axis in Ogun State with 25 per cent of total seizures while Ilaro-Ojodan contributes 22 per cent. Owode-Ajilete route is responsible for 18 per cent,” the CGC mentioned.
The CGC stressed that these routes represent another emerging corridor being exploited by smugglers attempting to circumvent the traditional enforcement positions.
“The operational data reveals several emerging trends in smuggling tactics that warrant our attention,” he said.
Speaking on the seized contrabands, Adeniyi highlighted that following an intelligence-driven operation between January 11 and February 23, 2025, the officers successfully intercepted and seized a total of “28,300 litres of petrol being diverted through various concealment methods and smuggling techniques. The duty paid value of these seizures is N35.8m.”
He said three vehicles used were seized as a means of conveyance.
The CGC mentioned that the steady momentum of Operation Whirlwind is further demonstrated by the commendable performance recorded in the southwest geopolitical zone.
“The cumulative impact of Operation Whirlwind since its inception is very, very substantial. Across the three operational zones which are presented this year, that is in Adamawa, Taraba, Nkwara, and now in Lagos, we have successfully intercepted a total of 273,260 litres with a combined value of N273.9m,” he said.
He said that these figures represent not just some kind of statistical achievements, but tangible protection of the national economy and energy security.
The NCS boss emphasised that the successful implementation of Operation Whirlwind highlights the critical importance of strategic interagency cooperation in addressing complex national security challenges.
He reiterated that the collaborative framework, championed by the National Security Advisor and supported by President Bola Tinubu, characterises the administration’s proactive stance on security governance.
