In an intensified effort of curbing smuggling of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), announced the seizure of over 53,000 litres of smuggled petroleum products.
In a press statement by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the seizures were made under Operation Whirlwind in Kwara State.
According to the statement, between January 14 and February 11, 2025, NCS operatives intercepted over 53,000 litres with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N53 million.
He, however, noted that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described fuel smuggling as a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
“Despite the removal of fuel subsidies, we continue to witness the exploitation of price disparities between Nigeria and neighbouring countries. This illegal trade not only undermines government policies but also affects ordinary Nigerians by inflating fuel costs and creating artificial scarcity.” CGC Adeniyi stated.
According to him, the Global Prices of petroleum, as of February 10, 2025, was sold at N1,184.83 per litre in Nigeria, compared to N1,680.32 per litre in Benin and ₦2,030.89 per litre in Cameroon.
“The significant price difference has encouraged large-scale smuggling, creating a black market economy that deprives Nigeria of critical resources.”
“This is not just about revenue loss; it is about economic sabotage. Every litre smuggled out of Nigeria is a litre that could have powered local industries, facilitated transportation, and supported small businesses,” the CGC added.
The CGC said, “Through intelligence-driven operations and routine patrols, the Service’s operatives have successfully intercepted smuggled fuel across Gure road, Bankubu, Illesha Baruba axis, and Kayama forest.
Giving the statistics on the seizures between January 14th to February 11th, CGC Adeniyi stated that the Service had, on 14th January seized 94 jerry cans (2,350 litres) of PMS at Gure road, valued at N2.35 million.
“On February 5th, 162 jerry cans (4,050 litres) of PMS were intercepted at Kayama forest in a Nissan Pickup (MHA556FD), driven by Nafiu Salami (now under administrative bail), with a DPV of N4.05 million. February 11: 33,000-litre tanker truck intercepted along Siya Buriya road, valued at N33 million.”
The NCS boss emphasised that the evolving tactics of smugglers require more than traditional enforcement approaches. Through Operation Whirlwind, Customs has adopted a technology-driven strategy, combining real-time intelligence, advanced surveillance systems, and strategic community engagement to track and disrupt smuggling networks.
“Smuggling networks are becoming more sophisticated, but so are we. With the deployment of digital monitoring tools, enhanced risk management frameworks, and proactive intelligence-sharing, we are closing in on economic saboteurs” Adeniyi assured.
The NCS Boss, however, pledged to sustain the momentum of its anti-smuggling operations nationwide, urging border communities, fuel marketers, and stakeholders to support the fight against illegal fuel trade.
“We will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure compliance and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.” CGC Adeniyi stated.
He further warned that “those involved in fuel smuggling should reconsider their actions, as the full weight of the law will be deployed against them.”
