The Nigeria Customs Service, Operation Whirlwind, said it intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of premium motor spirit, popularly known as petrol, worth N80.4m, about to be smuggled to the Republic of Benin.

The National Coordinator of Operations Whirlwind, Kola Oladeji, an Assistant Controller General of Customs, stated this while showcasing some of the seized contrabands to journalists in Ikeja on Tuesday.

Oladeji added that the contrabands were intercepted at different flashpoints within Lagos and Ogun State in the last seven weeks.

Operation Whirlwind is a special anti‑smuggling initiative of the Nigeria Customs Service. Its main goal is to address the growing menace of petroleum product smuggling, hoarding and associated economic sabotage.

This operation aligns with the broader efforts of the Federal Government to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the downstream oil sector, protect national resources, and ensure that petroleum products are available and affordable for Nigerians.

The operation works closely with the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Office of the National Security Adviser, among others.

Smuggling of fuel means loss of government revenue (duty, taxes) and undermines domestic supply, sometimes causing shortages and price distortions.

Giving details of the seizures, Oladeji explained that the contrabands were intercepted at various notorious smuggling points within the Ajilete Axis, Ijoun Axis, Haro Axis, Badagry Axis, Owode Idiroko Axis, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko Axis within Lagos and Ogun States.

He explained that these petroleum products, carefully concealed and being prepared for illegal export to the neighbouring Republic of Benin, were intercepted along with seven vehicles used as a means of conveyance.

Oladeji added that the interceptions were carried out following credible intelligence.

“The operatives, acting on credible intelligence and in line with our renewed mandate, successfully intercepted a total of 1,980 jerrycans of premium motor spirit totalling 49,500 litres at various notorious smuggling flashpoints within the Ajilete Axis, Ijoun Axis, Haro Axis, Badagry Axis, Owode Idiroko Axis, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko Axis. The total duty-paid value of the intercepted petroleum products and the conveying vehicles is to the tune of N80.4m,” Oladeji said.

According to him, following the successful interception, further investigations and intelligence-led surveillance efforts led the operatives to a retail outlet located along Owode Apa Road, Badagry, Lagos State.

The coordinator highlighted that upon inspection, serious infractions were observed regarding the handling, storage, and potential illegal sales of petroleum products at this location.

Oladeji emphasised that as such, and in line with extant laws and regulatory procedures, the filling station was immediately sealed to prevent further economic sabotage and ensure public safety.

He disclosed that during a routine perimeter sweep around the sealed premises, a man was apprehended based on his suspicious conduct and preliminary links to the activities at the said station.

“It is pertinent to note that the suspect was not arrested inside the premises but rather outside the crime scene, during a wider combing of the surrounding area. After eight hours in accordance with the law, and upon request and proper representation by his legal counsel, he was granted administrative bail by the Legal Unit of the Federal Operations Unit pending further investigation,” he said.

Oladeji mentioned that the achievements reaffirm the Service’s collective resolve to combat smuggling and illicit trade, which threaten the social and economic well-being of the nation.

He pointed out that the seizures also serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of complex challenges.

“As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening our operational capacities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and promoting public awareness on the detrimental effects of smuggling and resource diversion. We call upon all well-meaning Nigerians to support our efforts by providing actionable information and fostering a culture of compliance with our laws and regulations,” he said.