Customs Seize N80.4m Worth of Petrol Bound for Benin Republic, Arrest Suspect in Lagos Raid
Story: written by Okafor Joseph October 15,2025
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, worth N80.4 million, allegedly being smuggled into the Republic of Benin.
The interception was carried out by Operation Whirlwind, a special enforcement unit of the NCS, during coordinated raids at major smuggling routes across Lagos and Ogun States over a seven-week period.
Speaking at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Kola Oladeji, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to tackle fuel smuggling and protect Nigeria’s economy from sabotage.
According to him, the seized products were discovered at several notorious smuggling corridors including Ajilete, Ijoun, Haro, Badagry, Owode Idiroko, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko. Seven vehicles used for transporting the products were also confiscated.
“Acting on credible intelligence, our officers intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of PMS, equivalent to 49,500 litres, at multiple locations in Lagos and Ogun States. The total duty-paid value of both the fuel and vehicles stands at N80.4 million,” Oladeji stated.
He revealed that further investigation led to the discovery of illegal activities at a petrol station along Owode-Apa Road in Badagry, where irregular storage practices were detected. The station was immediately sealed to prevent further infractions and safeguard public safety.
During a subsequent security sweep around the sealed area, operatives detained a man for suspicious activity. ACG Oladeji clarified that the suspect was apprehended outside the premises and later released on administrative bail after legal representation, pending further investigation.
Oladeji emphasized that Operation Whirlwind aligns with the Federal Government’s directive to strengthen transparency and accountability in the downstream petroleum sector. He noted that the task force works closely with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“Fuel smuggling robs the nation of vital revenue and disrupts local supply, causing artificial scarcity and inflation. We will continue to tighten surveillance to stop these illegal activities,” he said.
The ACG also appealed to citizens to collaborate with the Customs Service by providing credible intelligence that would aid in dismantling smuggling networks and protecting the country’s economic resources.
