In a significant move to combat fuel smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has ramped up its efforts under Operation Whirlwind. Between January 14 and February 11, 2025, customs officials successfully intercepted over 53,000 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N53 million. During a recent press briefing at the Kwara Command, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized that fuel smuggling poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
Despite the removal of fuel subsidies, the exploitation of price differences between Nigeria and its neighbours continues to fuel this illegal trade. Adeniyi stated, “This practice not only undermines government policies but also negatively impacts everyday Nigerians by driving up fuel prices and creating artificial shortages.” As of February 10, 2025, the price of petroleum in Nigeria was N1,184.83 per litre, significantly lower than the N1,680.32 per litre in Benin and N2,030.89 per litre in Cameroon. This stark price disparity has led to rampant smuggling, contributing to a black market that robs Nigeria of essential resources.
“This isn’t merely about lost revenue; it’s economic sabotage,” Adeniyi warned. “Every litre smuggled out represents a loss for local industries, transportation, and small businesses.”
The NCS has reported several notable seizures during this period. On January 14, officials intercepted 94 jerry cans containing 2,350 litres of PMS valued at N2.35 million on Gure road. On February 5, a further 162 jerry cans (4,050 litres) were seized in Kayama forest, linked to a suspect now on administrative bail. The most significant interception occurred on February 11, when a tanker truck carrying 33,000 litres was apprehended along Siya Buriya road, valued at N33 million.
Adeniyi highlighted the need for innovative strategies to counter the evolving tactics of smugglers. Under Operation Whirlwind, the NCS has implemented a technology-driven approach that integrates real-time intelligence, advanced surveillance, and community engagement to disrupt smuggling operations. “Smuggling networks are becoming more sophisticated, but so are we,” he asserted, noting the deployment of digital monitoring tools and enhanced risk management frameworks.
To maintain the momentum of its anti-smuggling efforts, the NCS is calling on border communities, fuel marketers, and other stakeholders to join the fight against illegal fuel trade. Adeniyi reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with relevant bodies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.
He concluded with a stern warning to those involved in fuel smuggling: “Reconsider your actions, as we will not hesitate to enforce the law to the fullest extent.”
