By Godwin Oritse 

In a bid to curb the smuggling of petroleum products, the Operation Whirlwind Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has auctioned 14,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) seized from smugglers.

Speaking yesterday at the auction ceremony held at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos, the Unit Commander, Deputy Controller of Customs, Raphael Aliyu, said the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s economy, protecting critical assets, and combating smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.

He added that enforcement efforts have been stepped up through enhanced surveillance, strengthened intelligence gathering, and more coordinated operations along key routes linked to the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.

The Commander explained that Operation Whirlwind is a focused anti-smuggling initiative aimed at curbing the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders. It seeks to protect the nation’s economic interests, enhance energy security, and ensure that products meant for domestic use are not diverted for unlawful export.

Explaining further, Aliyu said over the past four weeks, acting on credible intelligence, operatives dismantled a coordinated smuggling network engaged in the illegal export of PMS to neighbouring countries. 

He stated that in the course of the operation, 595 jerry cans of 25 litres each totalling 14,875 litres were intercepted across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry. 

The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized products is put at ₦14.8Million.

He said:”The Seized PMS Products up for auction today were seized through dedicated enforcement operations and reliable intelligence. “They had been earmarked for illegal export to neighboring countries in direct contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products.

“It is pertinent to re-emphasize that petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime. It undermines the national economy, deprives the government of vital revenue, disrupts the domestic supply chain, and creates artificial scarcity that negatively impacts citizens. Furthermore, it fuels criminal networks that threaten national security and economic stability.

“In line with legal provisions and our commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized PMS is being disposed of through this public auction. This ensures that the products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than being diverted into illegal channels.

“This auction is being carried out with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to guarantee transparency, accountability, and integrity, in the disposal process.

“I salute the dedicated officers and personnel of Operation Whirlwind, along with our partner agencies. Their professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment have made this interception possible and continue to thwart the efforts of smugglers and economic saboteurs.

“Let me issue a firm warning to anyone still engaged in the illegal smuggling of petroleum products: the era of impunity is over. Operation Whirlwind remains determined, proactive, and intelligence-led in its approach. We will persist in tracking, intercepting, and dismantling smuggling networks wherever they operate.”

“We call on members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to keep supporting security agencies by providing accurate and timely information. Combating smuggling is a shared responsibility, and your cooperation is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.

“Transparency continues to be a cornerstone of our operations.  This auction exercise underscores our commitment to accountability and the responsible management of seized petroleum products. 

“As we advance with this auction exercise, I assure Nigerians that Operation Whirlwind will continue to strengthen its surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement efforts across all operational zones. Together, we will eliminate petroleum smuggling and protect our national economy.