The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under its anti-smuggling initiative Operation Whirlwind, has auctioned 14,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) valued at N14.875 million to members of the public in Ikeja, Lagos.
The auction took place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Customs Training College in Ikeja. Addressing journalists during the exercise, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Controller of Customs Abubakar Aliyu, said the seized products were intercepted while being smuggled to neighbouring countries.
“The products, which have a duty-paid value of N14.875 million, were intercepted within the Lagos/Ogun axis, all within Zone A,” Aliyu stated.
He explained that the seizures were made over the past four weeks following credible intelligence. A total of 595 jerrycans of petrol were recovered from key flashpoints including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry.
Aliyu emphasised that petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime, as it undermines the national economy, deprives the government of revenue, disrupts domestic supply chains, and creates artificial scarcity that affects ordinary citizens. He added that the activity also fuels criminal networks that threaten national security and economic stability.
In line with legal provisions and the Service’s commitment to transparency, the seized petrol was auctioned publicly with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to ensure accountability and integrity in the disposal process.
Aliyu commended the strategic leadership of the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Nuhu Ribadu, for enhancing inter-agency coordination, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for its technical support and regulatory oversight.
He also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their visionary leadership and support, which have enabled Operation Whirlwind to achieve measurable success in combating smuggling.
The NCS official warned that the era of impunity for petroleum smugglers is over, stating that Operation Whirlwind will remain proactive, intelligence-led, and determined to track, intercept, and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate.
He called on members of the public, particularly residents of border communities, to continue providing timely and accurate information to security agencies, stressing that combating smuggling is a shared responsibility essential to safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
The auction forms part of the NCS’s broader efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s economy, protect vital assets, and tackle all forms of economic sabotage, especially the illegal diversion of petroleum products meant for domestic consumption.
