BY FUNMI ALUKO

TThe Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has auctioned 14,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted by its special task force, Operation Whirlwind, in the Lagos–Ogun border axis. The public auction was conducted today at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, under the directive of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, in his address, revealed that the seizure followed weeks of intelligence-led operations targeting petroleum smugglers. A total of 595 jerry-cans of 25 litres each, valued at ₦14,875,000, were confiscated across smuggling hotspots including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry. The products had been earmarked for illegal export to neighboring countries.

Operation Whirlwind, launched to curb cross-border petroleum smuggling, has intensified surveillance and enforcement in recent months.

Officials stressed that smuggling undermines Nigeria’s economy, deprives the government of revenue, disrupts domestic supply, and fuels criminal networks. “Petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime,” the Coordinator warned, adding that the era of impunity is over.

The auction was conducted in line with legal provisions and transparency measures, with representatives from government agencies, civil society, and the media present. Authorities emphasized that reintegrating the seized products into the legitimate supply chain prevents diversion into illegal channels.

Acknowledging the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Customs praised the leadership of the Comptroller-General and the dedication of officers who carried out the operation.

A call was also made to border communities to provide timely intelligence to security agencies, reinforcing that combating smuggling is a shared responsibility.

Today’s auction, officials said, reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources and ensuring they serve the interests of citizens.