The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sealed a filling station in Badagry, Lagos State, over allegations of smuggling petroleum products across the Nigeria–Benin Republic border.

According to the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General Kola Oladeji, the station — identified as Adeola Ade PLC, located along the Owode-Apa Road — was shut down earlier in October after credible intelligence and investigations revealed multiple infractions.

Speaking with journalists in Badagry on Friday, Oladeji explained that preliminary findings showed the facility violated Nigeria’s petroleum retail and distribution regulations.

“It is with a deep sense of duty and national commitment that I formally hand over the sealed filling station, Adeola Ade PLC, located along Owode-Apa Road, Badagry, to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further investigation and possible sanctions,” he said.

Oladeji added that Operation Whirlwind, a Customs enforcement initiative targeting fuel smuggling, sealed the station on October 4, 2025, after confirming irregularities inconsistent with lawful petroleum trade practices.

He noted that the operation was conducted professionally and transparently, emphasizing that the Customs Service remains committed to sanitizing the downstream oil sector.

“Our officers acted within the confines of the law, guided by our duty to rid the sector of sharp practices, protect consumers, and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure,” Oladeji stated.

The Customs chief said the move reflects the agency’s broader collaboration with other regulatory bodies to combat smuggling and safeguard the nation’s economy.

“By handing this facility over to the NMDPRA, the statutory body empowered to ensure compliance, we reaffirm our commitment to due process, accountability, and sectoral integrity,” he added.

Oladeji also warned petroleum marketers and operators against violating national regulations, stressing that the Customs Service would continue to strengthen inter-agency efforts to crack down on illegal fuel trading.

“Let this serve as a clear message: non-compliance will not be tolerated. Collaboration among enforcement agencies will continue to ensure offenders face appropriate sanctions,” he concluded.