Customs seize N39m petrol from smugglers in Lagos, Ogun
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Customs seize N39m petrol from smugglers in Lagos, Ogun

June 1, 2025

Customs seize N39m petrol from smugglers in Lagos, Ogun

Admin By Adewale Adewale
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The Nigeria Customs Service, through its special operation codenamed Operation Whirlwind Strikes Smugglers, has seized Premium Motor Spirit known as petrol and vehicles valued at over 63 million.

According to the service, the petrol was intercepted along the Lagos-Ogun axis.

In a press statement released on Sunday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General, Hussein Ejibunu, described the seizure as a major success in the ongoing fight against economic sabotage.

“There is no safe haven for smugglers or economic saboteurs. We will continue to disrupt their activities and reduce them to the barest minimum,” he declared.

According to ACG Ejibunu, operatives intercepted 1,577 jerrycans of 25 litres each, totalling 39,425 litres of PMS, along with eight vehicles used for transportation.

He added that the seizures occurred in key smuggling hotspots including Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete.

“Investigations revealed the products were bound for illegal export across the border to Benin Republic.

“The fuel has a duty-paid value of 39,425,000, while the vehicles are valued at 24,000,000, bringing the total to 63,425,000.

“It may interest you to know that in just one year, significant milestones have been achieved across all zones. This is due to the commitment, discipline, and resilience of the operatives,” he said.

PUNCH Online gathered that, to ensure the public benefits directly, the seized fuel will be auctioned immediately at a subsidised rate of 10,000 per jerrycan, as approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

Ejibunu also acknowledged the cooperation of strategic partners, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Office of the Attorney General.

On his part, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, praised the ongoing success of Operation Whirlwind.

He said, “This landmark achievement reflects the determination and unwavering commitment of our officers to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and national security.

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