The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its special enforcement team known as Operation Whirlwind, has confiscated petrol valued at ₦39,425,000 and vehicles worth ₦24,000,000, making a total of over ₦63 million, in a fresh clampdown on smugglers along the Lagos-Ogun corridor.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Hussein Ejibunu, the seizures mark a significant stride in the battle against economic sabotage.
“There is no safe haven for smugglers or economic saboteurs. We will continue to disrupt their activities and reduce them to the barest minimum,” Ejibunu vowed.
The operation’s success came as officers intercepted 1,577 jerrycans of 25 litres each — totalling 39,425 litres of Premium Motor Spirit — alongside eight vehicles that were being used to convey the smuggled petrol.
ACG Ejibunu stated, “Investigations revealed the products were bound for illegal export across the border to Benin Republic.”
He detailed the areas targeted during the raid, noting, “The seizures occurred in key smuggling hotspots including Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete.”
To directly benefit the public and reduce market scarcity, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has approved the immediate auction of the confiscated fuel at a subsidised rate of ₦10,000 per jerrycan.
Ejibunu further acknowledged the critical support of strategic partners: “We appreciate the cooperation of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Office of the Attorney General.”
On his part, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, commended the operation’s continued achievements, saying, “This landmark achievement reflects the determination and unwavering commitment of our officers to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and national security.”
