The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has issued a stern warning to fuel smugglers, declared that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will adopt more stringent measures in its fight against the illegal diversion of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The CGC made this declaration on Monday, 3rd March 2025, during a press briefing at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, following the interception of 28,300 litres of PMS valued at N35.8 million along the Lagos-Ogun border by operatives of Operation Whirlwind.
According to Adeniyi, the interception represented a strategic move by the NCS to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security and economic interests. He emphasized that fuel smuggling constituted a significant threat to the country’s economy, described it as an attempt to undermine national resources.
“In less than three months, Operation Whirlwind has recorded cumulative seizures of 245,370 litres of PMS, valued at N238.1 million,” Adeniyi stated. “These figures exclude today’s interception and seizures made through regular command structures and Federal Operations Units.”
The CGC explained that the latest seizure, consisting of 1,132 jerrycans of 25 litres each, was made between 11 January and 23 February 2025 across key smuggling routes, including Badagry-Seme (35%), Imeko-Afon (25%), Ilaro-Ojodan (22%), and Owode-Ajilete (18%).
He commended the Operation Whirlwind team, led by ACG Hussein Ejibunu, for their commitment and bravery in tackling fuel smuggling despite operational challenges.
Adeniyi further assured that the NCS would continue to deploy additional resources and adopt dynamic operational strategies to frustrate the activities of smugglers, ensuring that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption are available to all Nigerians.
“No safe haven will be provided for economic saboteurs. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to tighten the noose around smugglers and protect the nation’s economic sovereignty,” he declared.
The CGC therefore urged the public to support the Service by providing credible intelligence that would aid in the fight against smuggling.
