The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on the smuggling of petroleum products, a practice that poses a significant threat to the nation’s economic sovereignty and energy security.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted recent successes achieved under the special enforcement initiative, Operation Whirlwind.
“In Adamawa State on 30 January, officers intercepted 199,495 litres of petroleum worth N199.4 million, while in Kwara on 17 February, an additional 45,875 litres valued at N38.6 million were seized,” he stated.
He further revealed that the most recent seizures in Lagos and Ogun states underscore the extent of this illicit trade.
“Between 11 January and 23 February, NCS operatives in Zone A confiscated 28,300 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N35.8 million,” Adeniyi said.
Among the seized items were 1,132 jerry cans of 25 litres each and three smuggling vehicles – a Toyota Camry (Chassis No. JTDAT1237101922C7), a Volkswagen (Lagos Reg. No. AAA-928FY, Chassis No. WVW222312LE114785), and another Toyota Camry (Chassis No. 4T1BG22KXXU582542).
The Customs Comptroller-General disclosed that intelligence-led operations have identified key smuggling corridors.
The Badagry-Seme corridor accounted for 35 per cent of all seizures, followed by the Imeko-Afon axis (25 per cent), the Ilaro-Ojodan network (22 per cent), and the Owode-Ajilete route (18 per cent).
“Our comprehensive analysis of the pattern of seizures across the Lagos/Ogun axis reveals critical insights into the ever-evolving smuggling tactics and the dominant routes exploited by these economic saboteurs,” he explained.
According to Adeniyi, the NCS has observed a shift in smuggling tactics, with perpetrators increasingly engaging in “daylight smuggling” rather than operating under the cover of darkness.
Other emerging strategies include “community-based storage” in border towns to stage smaller, discreet shipments, the use of “modified vehicles” with concealed compartments and falsified registration, and “smaller-volume movements” involving multiple trips to evade detection.
“These unscrupulous elements have shown remarkable adaptability, constantly refining their methods to circumvent our enforcement measures,” the Comptroller-General stated. “What we are witnessing is not just routine customs violations but a systematic attempt to undermine Nigeria’s economic stability by diverting strategic national resources.”
The success of Operation Whirlwind, Adeniyi noted, is largely attributed to strong inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
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