Customs intercepts 35,535 litres of smuggled petrol bound for Benin, N1.7bn contraband goods

The Nigeria Customs Service has announced the seizure of 35,535 litres of Pemium Motor Spirit ( PMS) valued at N58.4million at several locations within Lagos and Ogun axis.

Addressing journalists at the Customs Training College in Ikeja on Friday, Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniy said the seizures were made by the tactical team of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’  and Operation Whirlwind of the Service.

Represented by the Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Hussein  Ejibunu, Adeniyi said the petroleum products, destined for illegal export to Republic of Benin were intercepted along with six vehicles used as means of conveyance.

He said the seizures underscored the NCS’s intensified efforts against economic saboteurs whose actions threaten national energy security and undermine the policies of the federal government.

He said, “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, 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 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)

“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, ” he said.

Adeniyi stressed the severe impact of PMS smuggling, noting that it not only leads to significant revenue loss for the country but also exacerbates the nation’s 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,” he said.

Speaking on the operational activities of  the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, under the leadership of Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, Adeniyi said the unit intercepted goods valued at N1.78 billion between June 3 and July 18.

He said N95.6m was also recovered from underpayments within the period under review while about nine suspects were arrested.

Giving the breakdown of the seized items, Adeniyi said they include 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg load- equivalent to 6 trailer loads.

304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), 7,900 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – in 316 jerry cans of 25 liters each, 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing, 41 sacks and bags of used footwear, 14 units of used (“Tokunbo”) vehicles, 148 pieces of used tyres, 42 used gas cylinders, 31 units of air conditioning systems and 95 cartons of frozen poultry products.

Other notable seizures include one 40 foot container with container fully loaded with used tyres, one 20 foot container containing medicaments.

Others are two 40 foot containers and one truck with container body conveying used fridges, foreign supermarket items and used clothes.

“A total of nine suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures. While some were granted administrative bail, others have been, or will be, handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all intercepted items stands at an impressive 1,784,432,000 (one billion , Seven Hundred and eighty four million four hundred and thirty two thousand Naira), ” he said.

Adeniyi commended the sacrifice, dedication and courage of officers of the unit, whom he said risk their lives daily to secure the borders and protect the national economy.

“In addition to our enforcement duties, the Unit also ensures compliance with import and export regulations. We have continued to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where appropriate.

“Between June 3rd and July 18th, 2025, the Unit recovered a total of ₦95,587,231.47 (Ninety-Five Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty-One Naira, Forty-Seven Kobo) in underpaid duties.

“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.

“The milestones we’ve recorded are a testament to the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring national security, ” he concluded.

Also speaking, Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu reiterated that the Unit remains deeply committed to executing its mandate with the utmost professionalism and in strict adherence to extant regulations.

“Operations are conducted with restraint, respect for human rights, and a commitment to peaceful enforcement, ” he said.