
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded another major success in its fight against the smuggling of petroleum products, as officers under Operation Whirlwind intercepted and seized 28,300 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the Lagos/Ogun axis, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦35,800,000.
At a press briefing held at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Ikeja, Lagos, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) emphasized that the ongoing smuggling of petroleum products poses a severe threat to Nigeria’s economic sovereignty, energy security, and national development. He warned that these illicit activities not only drain government revenue but also contribute to domestic fuel shortages and price instability, creating hardship for millions of Nigerians.
The Threat of Smuggling and the Purpose of ‘Operation Whirlwind’
The smuggling of petroleum products remains a critical challenge for Nigeria, driven largely by regional price disparities between Nigeria and its neighboring countries. The lower cost of fuel in Nigeria, due to government policies and subsidies, creates an opportunity for criminal networks to engage in large-scale cross-border smuggling for illegal profits. This has resulted in a thriving black market that continuously undermines Nigeria’s economic stability.
To combat this, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with strong backing from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and in collaboration with the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), launched ‘Operation Whirlwind’. This initiative is designed to identify, intercept, and disrupt smuggling routes and networks across Nigeria’s border regions.
Since its inception, Operation Whirlwind has produced significant results:
In Adamawa State (January 30, 2025), officers intercepted 199,495 liters of PMS valued at ₦199,495,000.
In Kwara State (February 17, 2025), another 45,875 liters were seized, worth ₦38,645,000.
The latest operation in Lagos/Ogun (February 28, 2025) resulted in the confiscation of 28,300 liters, valued at ₦35,800,000.
The Lagos-Ogun corridor remains a major smuggling hotspot due to its strategic location along Nigeria’s western border with the Republic of Benin. Intelligence-driven operations between January 11 and February 23, 2025, led to multiple interceptions of fuel smugglers attempting to transport petroleum products illegally.
Key statistics from the Lagos/Ogun operations include:
1,132 jerry cans (25 liters each) Seized three vehicles used for smuggling were confiscated:
Toyota Camry (Chassis No. JTDAT1237101922C7)Volkswagen (Reg. No. LAGOS-AAA-928FY, Chassis No. WVW222312LE114785)
Toyota Camry (Chassis No. 4T1BG22KXXU582542)
Key Smuggling Routes in Lagos/Ogun Axis
A comprehensive analysis of the recent seizures has revealed the most active smuggling corridors, which include:
Badagry-Seme Corridor (35% of total seizures) – This remains the primary smuggling route, with multiple interceptions along Badagry-Seme Road and Badagry waterside due to its proximity to the Republic of Benin and a complex network of waterways.
Imeko-Afon Axis (25%) – Smugglers have increased activity in Oloko-Afon, Obada-Idieimi, and other remote communities in Ogun State.
Ilaro-Ojodan Network (22%) – Fuel smugglers are using Ojodan Road and Yerwa North as alternative routes.
Owode-Ajilete Route (18%) – This corridor is gaining popularity among smugglers looking to evade Customs checkpoints.
Emerging Trends in Smuggling Tactics
Customs officials have identified new smuggling strategies used by criminal networks to evade detection. These include:
Daylight Smuggling: Unlike previous night-time operations, smugglers now transport fuel between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, taking advantage of reduced Customs presence during business hours.
Community-Based Storage: Smugglers establish small storage facilities in border communities, allowing them to stage fuel movements discreetly.
Modified Vehicles: Some vehicles have secret fuel compartments, while others use falsified documentation or foreign registration numbers to blend in.
Smaller, Frequent Shipments: Instead of moving large tankers, smugglers now use multiple smaller containers to reduce the risk of mass seizures.
Since launching Operation Whirlwind, the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a total of 273,670 liters of petroleum products, valued at ₦273,940,000. These seizures have prevented massive financial losses to the Nigerian government while ensuring that fuel supplies remain available for domestic consumers.
The Comptroller-General of Customs reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating smuggling and ensuring that Nigeria’s petroleum products serve its citizens, not criminal syndicates.
He highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for proactive security measures, emphasizing that Customs is now adopting a preemptive approach to border security, rather than merely reacting to smuggling incidents.
Deployment of advanced surveillance technology to monitor smuggling hotspots.
Specialized training for Customs officers in petroleum smuggling interdiction.
Increased community engagement to encourage local cooperation and intelligence-sharing.
Optimized resource allocation through intelligence-driven risk assessment.
The Nigeria Customs Service has vowed to maintain zero tolerance for petroleum smuggling. The CGC made it clear that Customs will continue to adapt and escalate enforcement measures to match the evolving tactics of smugglers.
“There will be no safe haven for smugglers in our operational areas. We will intensify surveillance, deploy additional resources, and adopt even more stringent measures to protect Nigeria’s economic and energy security,” the CGC declared.
The CGC commended the officers of Operation Whirlwind, recognizing their dedication, vigilance, and courage despite significant challenges.
He also emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, particularly with:
Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA); Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA); Nigerian Navy (to enhance maritime patrols); Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) (for infrastructure protection); Border communities (for intelligence gathering).
The Nigeria Customs Service remains unwavering in its mission to protect Nigeria’s economic interests, combat petroleum smuggling, and ensure that the benefits of government policies reach all citizens.
With Operation Whirlwind gaining momentum, smugglers are facing an increasingly hostile environment, and Customs has assured the public that it will continue to disrupt and dismantle fuel smuggling networks nationwide.

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