The National Coordinator Operation Whirlwind, Lucky Aliyu, Deputy Controller of Customs speaking during the public auctioning in Ikeja on Monday. Photo: NCS
The Nigeria Customs Service, Operation Whirlwind, on Monday auctioned 20,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, intercepted within the Zone A axis.
Speaking during the public auction of the products in Ikeja, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Lucky Aliyu, a Deputy Controller of Customs, explained that, acting on credible intelligence, operatives successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries.
Aliyu highlighted that during the operation, a total of “820 jerrycans of 25 litres each were intercepted, amounting to 20,500 litres. These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry.”
“In addition to the seized petroleum products, five vehicles used in conveying the products were also intercepted. The combined duty-paid value of the seized PMS and the vehicles was estimated at N38m,” Aliyu added.
Aliyu stated that the service continues to uphold its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s economy, protecting vital assets, and tackling all forms of smuggling and economic sabotage, adding that, recently, efforts have been significantly intensified through improved surveillance, stronger intelligence operations, and more robust enforcement activities along major routes identified for the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.
He added that the seized PMS products were intercepted through dedicated enforcement operations and reliable intelligence, stressing that they had been earmarked for illegal export to a neighbouring country, in direct contravention of national laws governing the distribution and movement of petroleum products.
According to Aliyu, petroleum smuggling remains a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security, adding that it deprives the government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain, encourages artificial scarcity, fuels criminal enterprises, and undermines the gains of ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector.
He reiterated that the service will continue to confront these criminal activities with unwavering determination.
“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,” he added.
Aliyu also disclosed that the auction exercise 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.
“We acknowledge the invaluable leadership and strategic guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser, under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whose unwavering commitment to inter-agency cooperation has greatly enhanced the operational effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind.
“We also applaud the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for its technical proficiency and regulatory oversight, which help ensure that enforcement measures adhere to best practices while effectively addressing weaknesses in the distribution network,” Aliyu stressed.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire management of the NCS for their exceptional leadership, steadfast support, and commitment to providing the resources and policy direction that continue to strengthen Operation Whirlwind across all operational zones.
Aliyu maintained that the interception of the PMS products serves as a clear warning to all individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products.
He vowed that the team would remain intelligence-driven, proactive, and uncompromising in its resolve, warning that it would continue to identify, intercept, investigate, and dismantle all smuggling networks operating within and around the nation’s borders.
Aliyu called on members of the public, especially border communities, to keep supporting security agencies by providing accurate and timely information.
He argued that combating smuggling is a shared responsibility and that public cooperation is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
Aliyu reaffirmed that transparency continues to be a cornerstone of Operation Whirlwind’s operations, stressing that the auction exercise underscores the team’s commitment to accountability and the responsible management of seized petroleum products.
“All participants are expected to adhere strictly to the established procedures governing the exercise. Today’s event reaffirms the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources and ensuring their use serves the best interests of the Nigerian people,” he stated.
He restated that the team would continue to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, and enforcement operations across all operational theatres.
“We remain committed to dismantling every network engaged in petroleum smuggling and ensuring that Nigeria’s economic interests are vigorously protected. Together, we will eliminate petroleum smuggling and protect our national economy,” he said.
Operation Whirlwind was established as a strategic national initiative to combat the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.
The operation is designed to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security, preserve government revenue, and ensure that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption reach legitimate end users without unlawful diversion.
