The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, valued at N80.4 million, allegedly being smuggled into the Republic of Benin.

The interception was carried out by Operation Whirlwind, a special task force of the NCS, across various smuggling hotspots in Lagos and Ogun States over the past seven weeks.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Kola Oladeji, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal export of petroleum products and other forms of economic sabotage.

Oladeji explained that the intercepted consignments were seized at Ajilete, Ijoun, Haro, Badagry, Owode Idiroko, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko, all identified as notorious smuggling corridors used for cross-border fuel trafficking.

He added that seven vehicles used in conveying the seized products were also impounded.

“Acting on credible intelligence, our operatives intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of PMS, equivalent to 49,500 litres, across different flashpoints in Lagos and Ogun States. The total duty-paid value of the seized products and vehicles is estimated at N80.4 million,” Oladeji said.

He further revealed that subsequent intelligence-led operations led to the discovery of a retail outlet along Owode-Apa Road in Badagry, where irregularities were found in the handling and storage of petroleum products. The station was immediately sealed in line with existing regulations to prevent further violations and ensure public safety.

During a perimeter sweep around the sealed location, Customs operatives apprehended a man for suspicious activity. Oladeji clarified that the suspect was not arrested within the filling station but nearby, during a broader security operation.

“The suspect was detained for about eight hours and was later released on administrative bail after proper representation by his lawyer, pending further investigation,” he noted.

The ACG reaffirmed that Operation Whirlwind supports the Federal Government’s agenda to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the downstream petroleum sector while protecting national resources.

He stated that the operation works in close partnership with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), among other relevant agencies.

“Fuel smuggling denies the government significant revenue, disrupts domestic supply, and causes artificial scarcity and price instability,” Oladeji warned.

He appealed to citizens to assist the Customs Service by providing credible intelligence to help dismantle smuggling networks and protect Nigeria’s economy.

“We remain committed to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, expanding our operations, and raising public awareness about the dangers of smuggling and diversion of national resources,” he added.