National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu,

The Operation Whirlwind, a specialised squad of the Nigeria Customs Service, has intensified its onslaught against the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit PMS, and other related products, seizing over 20, 500 litres of PMS worth about N38million.

Recall that the Unit, was set up by the Comptroller General of the Service to checkmate petroleum products smuggling, had on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Lagos auctioned a total of 20,500 litres of PMS worth N38million to members of the public. The products were intercepted within the Lagos and Ogun States axis.

Customs Image Maker of the Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘A’ Lagos, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Hussaini, while moderating the press conference.

Speaking at the auctioning of the product, Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by the National Coordinator of the Squad, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, assured that the Service will continue to uphold its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s economy, protecting vital assets, and tackling all forms of smuggling and economic sabotage.

The DC Aliyu said: “Recently, efforts have been significantly intensified through improved surveillance, stronger intelligence operations, and more robust enforcement activities along major routes identified for the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.

“Operation Whirlwind was established as a strategic national initiative to combat the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products. The operation is designed to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security, preserve government revenue, and ensure that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption reach legitimate end users without unlawful diversion.

“The Unit acting on credible intelligence, our operatives successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries. During this operation, a total of 820 units of the 25-litre jerry-cans of the product were intercepted, amounting to 20,500 litres. These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry.

“In addition to the seized petroleum products, five vehicles used in conveying the products were also intercepted. The combined Duty Paid Value DPV, of the seized PMS and the vehicles is estimated at ₦38million.”

He further told newsmen that the seized PMS products, which had been slated for auction were seized through dedicated enforcement operations and reliable intelligence.

According to him, they had been earmarked for illegal export to neighbouring countries in direct contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products.

He also said: “Petroleum products smuggling remains a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security. It deprives the government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain, encourages artificial scarcity, fuels criminal enterprises, and undermines the gains of ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector. The Nigeria Customs Service will therefore continue to confront these criminal activities with unwavering determination.

“In line with legal provisions and our commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized PMS is being disposed of through this public auction. This ensures that the products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than being diverted into illegal channels.

“This auction is being carried out with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to guarantee transparency, accountability, and integrity, in the disposal process.

“We acknowledge the invaluable leadership and strategic guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser, under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, mni, whose unwavering commitment to inter-agency cooperation has greatly enhanced the operational effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind. We also applaud the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its technical proficiency and regulatory oversight, which help ensure that enforcement measures adhere to best practices while effectively addressing weaknesses in the distribution network.

“Furthermore, our profound appreciation equally goes to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their exceptional leadership, steadfast support, and commitment to providing the resources and policy direction that continue to strengthen Operation Whirlwind across all operational zones.

“I also salute the dedicated officers and personnel of Operation Whirlwind, along with our partner agencies. Their professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment have made this interception possible and continue to thwart the efforts of smugglers and economic saboteurs.

“Let this exercise serve as a clear warning to all individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products. Operation Whirlwind remains intelligence-driven, proactive, and uncompromising in its resolve. We shall continue to identify, intercept, investigate, and dismantle all smuggling networks operating within and around our borders”, he further warned.

The Service however enjoined members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to keep supporting security agencies by providing accurate and timely information. “Combating smuggling is a shared responsibility, and your cooperation is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.

“Transparency continues to be a cornerstone of our operations. This auction exercise underscores our commitment to accountability and the responsible management of seized petroleum products. All participants are expected to adhere strictly to the established procedures governing the exercise”, the Coordinator also said.

While insisting that with the cooperation of the members of the public, the menace of petroleum product smuggling will be eliminated, thereby protecting the national economy.

“On our part, Operation Whirlwind will continue to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, and enforcement operations across all operational theatres. We remain committed to dismantling every network engaged in petroleum smuggling and ensuring that Nigeria’s economic interests are vigorously protected”, he assured.