The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has auctioned 22,175 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted by Operation Whirlwind along the Lagos-Ogun axis, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N32.1 million.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, announced the auction on Monday in Lagos at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
Aliyu said the auction demonstrated the NCS’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of seized petroleum products in line with extant laws and approved procedures.
He said operatives intercepted 887 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling 22,175 litres, along with five means of conveyance used for smuggling.
According to him, the seizures were made at identified flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme-Badagry, following credible and actionable intelligence.
He said the DPV of the seized petrol and means of conveyance stood at N32.1 million, describing the operation as intelligence-driven and targeted.
Aliyu said Operation Whirlwind was a targeted anti-smuggling initiative aimed at curbing the illegal movement, diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries.
He said the NCS had intensified surveillance, strengthened intelligence gathering and enhanced enforcement along major routes prone to the illegal diversion of petroleum products.
He added that the operation was aimed at protecting Nigeria’s economic interests, strengthening national energy security and ensuring that products meant for domestic consumption were not diverted.
Aliyu urged participants and stakeholders to adhere strictly to established auction guidelines to ensure a fair, orderly and transparent exercise.
He commended the Comptroller-General and NCS management for their strategic direction and support for the objectives of Operation Whirlwind.
He also appreciated the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for their continued collaboration.
Aliyu lauded officers and men of Operation Whirlwind Zone A for their diligence, professionalism and commitment to duty.
He warned those engaged in illegal smuggling and diversion that Operation Whirlwind remained resolute and intelligence-driven in dismantling smuggling networks.
He appealed to border communities to provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities, noting that the fight against smuggling remained a collective responsibility.
The Acting Commandant, Customs Training College, Ikeja, Deputy Comptroller Patience Ita, said the Comptroller-General had zero tolerance for the smuggling of petroleum products and other goods.
Ita, who hosted the public auction, said the exercise should serve as a warning to smugglers, noting that even small-scale smuggling of petroleum products could affect the national economy.
