The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a significant breakthrough in its battle against fuel smuggling, seizing 35,535 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N58.4 million across various locations within Lagos and Ogun states.

Speaking at the Customs Training College in Ikeja on Friday, Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that the successful operations were carried out by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ and Operation Whirlwind teams of the service. He was represented by Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Ejibunu, the Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind.

Adeniyi explained that the intercepted petroleum products, destined for illegal export to Benin Republic, were seized along with six vehicles used for transport. The seizures included 1,134 jerrycans of 25 and 30 liters, and 33 drums of PMS, totalling 35,535 liters—highlighting the operational efficiency and strategic intelligence that fueled these arrests.

“These petroleum products, which were carefully concealed and ready for export, were intercepted at notorious smuggling hotspots in Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Badagry, Owode Idiroko, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko axes,” Adeniyi stated. “The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods and vehicles is approximately N58.36 million.”

He emphasised that these operations reflect the Nigeria Customs Service’s renewed commitment to combating economic sabotage that threatens national energy security and undermines government policies. Adeniyi noted the impact of PMS smuggling—such activities cause significant revenue loss and exacerbate Nigeria’s ongoing fuel supply challenges, especially during a period when energy distribution remains strained.

Over the past few weeks, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A,’ under the leadership of Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, has intercepted goods valued at N1.78 billion, recovered N95.6 million from underpayments, and arrested around nine suspects. These operations underscore the unit’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and enforcing import-export regulations.

The seizures include:

• 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (each 50kg)
• 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp)
• 7,900 litres of PMS in 316 jerry cans
• Used clothing and footwear
• 14 used vehicles
• 148 used tyres
• Gas cylinders, air conditioning units, and frozen poultry products

Other notable interceptions involved containers loaded with used tyres, medicines, used fridges, foreign supermarket goods, and clothing, consolidating the unit’s role in intercepting a wide range of contraband.

Adeniyi stated that while some suspects have been granted bail, others are being processed for further investigation or prosecution. The total DPV of all intercepted items amounts to approximately N1.78 billion.

He praised the dedication and bravery of Customs officers, who operate under challenging conditions to protect Nigeria’s borders and national interests. The CG also reaffirmed the Customs Service’s commitment to balancing enforcement with facilitation of legitimate trade, ensuring compliance without hindering economic growth.

Adeniyi emphasised that these successes exemplify the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering resolve to protect the country’s economy, energy security, and overall national security.