The Nigeria Customs Service, Operation Whirlwind, acting on credible intelligence, successfully disrupted an organised smuggling syndicate engaged in the illegal export of petrol to neighbouring countries.
The operation’s most significant outcome was the interception of five vehicles and 20,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, with a combined value of N38m, within the Zone A axis. The PMS was publicly auctioned in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday
Speaking at the public auction of the seized products, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Controller of Customs Lucky Aliyu, said operatives, acting on credible intelligence, successfully disrupted an organised smuggling syndicate engaged in the illegal export of petrol to neighbouring countries.
Aliyu disclosed that the operation led to the seizure of 820 jerrycans, each with a capacity of 25 litres, bringing the total volume of intercepted petrol to 20,500 litres. He said the confiscations were carried out at major smuggling hotspots, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and the Seme-Badagry corridor.
“In addition to the seized petroleum products, five vehicles used in conveying the products were also intercepted. The combined duty-paid value of the seized PMS and the vehicles was estimated at N38m,” Aliyu added.
