245,370 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), often known as gasoline, valued at an estimated ₦238.1 million, have been successfully apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
These seizures have place in less than three months, according to Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, as part of Operation Whirlwind’s ongoing anti-smuggling campaign.
Additionally, Adeniyi highlighted recent successful interceptions conducted by the Federal Operations Unit in Ikeja.
He pointed out that the main factor driving gasoline smuggling at Nigeria’s borders is large pricing disparities, which encourage smugglers to divert petroleum to other nations where they can make more money.
“These significant price differences across regional borders are a primary driver of this illicit trade, creating a highly profitable black market that seriously threatens Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and national interests,” he explained, citing economic intelligence from Customs.
Adeniyi went on to describe the key interceptions made during Operation Whirlwind, which consist of:
In Lagos and Ogun, 28,300 liters of gasoline were seized along major smuggling routes between January 11 and February 23, 2025. Fuel smuggling, according to the Customs chief, is a deliberate effort to weaken Nigeria’s economic underpinnings.
“Even though the government has stabilized the domestic petroleum industry through extensive market reforms and supply chain improvements, these criminal elements are still determined to take advantage of regional economic disparities for illegal profit,” Adeniyi said.
In order to avoid detection by law enforcement, he continued, the criminal networks engaged in the illegal trade are continuously improving their smuggling methods.
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Even though the government has stabilized the domestic petroleum industry through extensive market reforms and supply chain improvements, criminal networks are nonetheless committed to taking advantage of regional economic differences for illegal gain.
“These dishonest people have proven incredibly flexible, continuously improving their strategies to get around our enforcement actions.
In addition to normal customs infractions, he said that there was a concerted effort to weaken Nigeria’s economic underpinnings by diverting vital state resources.
Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibuno, the Leader of Operations Whirlwind, and his staff were commended by Adeniyi for their commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy and national security.
During recent operations, Customs agents seized three vehicles used in gasoline smuggling and arrested two suspects who are currently being prosecuted.
In addition to reaffirming his team’s commitment to breaking up smuggling networks, Ejibuno thanked Customs administration for their assistance.
