The Nigeria Customs Service has seized a total of 635,132 litres of smuggled petrol in a major nationwide anti-smuggling crackdown.
The seizures were carried out under Operation Whirlwind, an initiative targeting the illegal export of petroleum products to neighbouring countries. The figure covers interceptions made over a six-month period from October 2025 to early 2026.
According to Customs, the fuel—Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)—was intercepted at multiple smuggling routes and border flashpoints, particularly across states like Lagos, Ogun, Adamawa, and Kebbi.
Officials revealed that:
- Thousands of litres were stored in jerrycans, drums, and tankers
- The products were being illegally transported to neighbouring countries
- Several vehicles and equipment used in the operations were also seized
Customs authorities stated that the crackdown is aimed at protecting Nigeria’s economy and energy supply, noting that fuel smuggling leads to revenue loss and disrupts domestic distribution.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised that enforcement efforts have been intensified through intelligence-driven operations and increased surveillance along key border corridors.
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