The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Operation Whirlwind task force, has intercepted three fuel tankers conveying 154,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Badagry corridor, thwarting an attempted diversion of petroleum products suspected to be bound for illegal cross-border movement.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this on Friday, February 20, 2026, during a handover ceremony and public auction held at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos.
Aliyu said the successful interception followed sustained intelligence-led operations across the Owode Apa, Seme and Badagry axis, described the seizures as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb fuel smuggling and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.
According to him, the three tankers were loaded with 60,000 litres, 49,000 litres and 45,000 litres of PMS respectively, transported in violation of established Standard Operating Procedures governing petroleum distribution.
“Their interception was not accidental; it was the outcome of intelligence-driven operations, vigilance, and the uncompromising resolve of Operation Whirlwind to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and energy security,” Aliyu stated.
He further revealed that within nine weeks, operatives intensified surveillance across critical border communities, leading to the seizure of 1,630 jerry-cans of PMS, each containing 25 litres, amounting to 40,750 litres with a Duty Paid Value estimated at ₦40.75 million.
Aliyu noted that the transportation and movement of petroleum products are regulated under strict frameworks aimed at preventing diversion, smuggling, hoarding and other forms of economic sabotage.
He described the border corridors of Owode Apa, Seme and Badagry as sensitive economic arteries historically exploited for illegal petroleum trafficking, warning that enforcement operations would remain relentless.
“Let it be clearly stated that under our watch, there will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs,” he added.
In line with inter-agency collaboration, the intercepted tankers were handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further regulatory action.
Speaking at the event, the Authority’s representative, Grace Dauda, commended the synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and partner agencies, reaffirming the regulator’s commitment to ensuring petroleum products designated for domestic consumption are not diverted outside the country.
To promote accountability and transparency, the seized PMS contained in jerry-cans was auctioned to members of the public in accordance with extant regulations, underscoring the Service’s commitment to lawful asset disposal and public trust.
