NCS Operation Whirlwind zone A successfully confiscated 35,535 liters of PMS within a three-week period in Ogun and parts of Lagos State
The operation conducted by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to targeting smuggling activities in Nigeria. “Operation Whirlwind,” successfully confiscated 35,535 liters of PMS destined for illegal export to Republic of Benin within a three-week period in Ogun and parts of Lagos State .
Such operations are crucial for combating smuggling and ensuring that revenues from petroleum products are properly collected by the government.
This was disclosed on Friday 18th July, 2025 by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR during his press briefing on the activities of the Service Operation Whirlwind Zone A.
According to the CGC , the gallant Officers and Men of Operation Whirlwind in Zone A, covering parts of Lagos and Ogun States respectively within 2–3 weeks, “acting on credible intelligence and in line with our renewed mandate, successfully intercepted a total of, 1,134 Jerricans of 25liters/30liters respectively and 33 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) yielding a volume of 35,535 liters, at various notorious smuggling flashpoints within Ajilete Axis, Ijoun Axis, Ilaro Axis, Badagry Axis, Owode Idiroko Axis, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada-Imeko Axis.
“These petroleum products, carefully concealed and being prepared for illegal export to the neighboring Republic of Benin were intercepted along with Six (6) vehicles being used as means of conveyance.
“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted petroleum products and the conveying vehicles is to the tune of ₦58,360,000 (Fifty-Eight Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira Only.
Details of the speech:
I welcome you all to this important briefing on the recent achievements of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), particularly the Operation Whirlwind team operating in Zone A.
As part of our unwavering commitment to safeguard the nation’s economy,
protect critical national assets, and combat the menace of smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its surveillance and enforcement operations across strategic flashpoints known for illicit petroleum product smuggling activities.
Today, I am pleased to inform you of a significant breakthrough made by the gallant Officers and Men of Operation Whirlwind in Zone A, covering parts of Lagos and Ogun States respectively.
Within the last 2-3 weeks, our Operatives stationed under Zone A have made significant strides in countering the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) destined for illegal export to Republic of Benin. The Operatives, acting on credible intelligence and in line with our renewed mandate, successfully intercepted a total of: 1,134 Jerricans of 25liters/30liters respectively and 33 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) yielding a volume of 35,535 liters, at various notorious smuggling flashpoints within Ajilete Axis, Ijoun Axis, llaro Axis, Badagry Axis, Owode Idiroko Axis, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko Axis.
These petroleum products, carefully concealed and being prepared for illegal export to the neighboring Republic of Benin were intercepted along with Six (6) vehicles being used as means of conveyance.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted petroleum products and the conveying vehicles is to the tune of N58,360,000 (Fifty-Eight Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira Only).
These arrests and seizures underscore the strategic efficiency and operational dexterity of our anti-smuggling units. It is also a clear indication of the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service to clamp down on economic saboteurs whose actions threaten national energy security and undermine the policies of the Federal Government.
It is pertinent to note that the smuggling of PMS not only results in revenue loss for the country but also places additional pressure on our already strained fuel supply chain. At a time when the nation is grappling with energy
distribution challenges, we cannot afford to allow saboteurs to compromise. our national interest for personal gain.
Let me reiterate; that the Nigeria Customs Service will not relent. We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that Nigeria’s borders are protected against all forms of illegal trade and smuggling activities.
I commend the commitment and bravery of Officers and Men of the Operation Whirlwind, and I urge all operatives across various formations to remain. vigilant and resolute in their duties.
We also call on citizens, especially those residing in border communities, to support the efforts of the Service by providing timely and credible information that will aid in the identification and apprehension of smugglers.
In conclusion, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the (ONSA) under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (mni) for his strong support and commitment in addressing security challenges in Nigeria, the NMDPRA and patriotic Nigerians who continue to stand with us in the pursuit of a resolute mission to dismantle smuggling networks and bring economic saboteurs to justice.
Together, we can build a safer and more economically stable Nigeria. Thank you for your attention
