The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Operation Whirlwind has intercepted 22,175 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N32.175 million at Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and other area within Ogun and Lagos states.
The petrol is being moved out of the country illegally for cross-border exportation.
The seized product, comprising 887 jerrycans of 25 litres each, were seized by operatives of Operation Whirlwind, Zone A, across identified smuggling flashpoints in the Lagos-Ogun axis, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme-Badagry.
The unit however, conducted a public auction of the seized PMS at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, as part of efforts to ensure the transparent and lawful disposal of seized petroleum products.
The National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Lucky Aliyu, said on Monday that the auction was conducted on the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stressing that the seizures were the outcome of intelligence driven operations targeting the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products.
Aliyu noted the Nigeria Customs Service remained committed to protecting the nation’s economy and energy resources through intensified surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations.
He explained: “The Nigeria Customs Service continues to uphold its statutory mandate of safeguarding the nation’s economy, protecting vital national assets, and combating all forms of smuggling, illicit trade and economic sabotage.”
According to him, Operation Whirlwind was established specifically to tackle the illegal movement, diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products, adding that the operation was focused on protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and strengthening national energy security by preventing petroleum products meant for domestic consumption from being unlawfully diverted across the country’s borders.
Aliyu stressed that NSC recently disrupted a coordinated network involved in the illegal movement and exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries.
He explained: “In recent weeks, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of Operation Whirlwind successfully disrupted a coordinated network involved in the illegal movement and exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries.”
He added that the operation resulted in the interception of the 887 Jerry Cans of PMS, totalling 22,175 litres, alongside five means of conveyance.
“Today’s auction is a clear demonstration of the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of seized petroleum products, in accordance with extant laws, regulations and approved procedures.”
