CGC Adeniyi Promises Tougher Action Against Fuel Smugglers
By Asuquo Nuwak
CGC Adeniyi Promises Tougher Action Against Fuel Smugglers
•••As operation whirlwind seizes 28,300 litres of pms
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on Monday, 3 March 2025, assured smugglers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tougher time as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intensifies its crackdown on fuel smuggling.
He gave the warning as officers of Operation Whirlwind intercepted 28,300 litres of PMS worth N35.8 million along the Lagos-Ogun border region.
The CGC, who disclosed this during a press briefing at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, also reiterated the Service’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s energy, security and economic sovereignty.
The CGC is quoted as stating that: “What we are witnessing is not just routine customs violations but a systematic attempt to undermine Nigeria’s economic foundations through the diversion of strategic national resources. In less than three months, Operation Whirlwind has made remarkable achievements, with cumulative seizures of 245,370 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N238,140,000. These figures exclude the report and seizures made through regular command structures and the Federal Operations Units”
He noted that, the steady momentum of Operation Whirlwind is further demonstrated by the commendable performance recorded in Zone ‘A’, covering the Lagos-Ogun axis.
He said, following intelligence-driven operations between 11 January and 23 February 2025, the Service vigilant officers under Operation Whirlwind successfully intercepted and seized 28,300 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with a Duty Paid Value of N35, 800,000, being diverted through various concealment, methods and smuggling techniques.
The breakdown of the seizures included 1,132 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling 28,300 litres; three vehicles used as means of conveyance, including one Toyota Camry, one Volkswagen, and one Toyota Camry.
According to him, the intercepted fuel was being moved through well-known smuggling corridors, such as Badagry-Seme axis accounting for 35% of the seizures, while other key routes include Imeko-Afon axis, accounting for 25%. Beside this, a growing hotspot in Ogun state, Ilaro-Ojodan network, accounting for 22% of the seizures
He said the increase of smuggling activities in these areas is as a result its remote location, while Owode-Ajilete route, accounting for 18% of the seizures. He further noted that customs is responding aggressively to smugglers’ tactics.
The CGC is quoted as saying that: “Let me be clear, there will be no safe haven for smugglers in our operational areas. We shall continue to adapt our strategies to counter the dynamic tactics of these economic saboteurs. We will deploy additional resources and adopt even more stringent measures to ensure that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption are secured for the benefit of all Nigerians”.
He commended the dedication and courage of the Operation Whirlwind team across the nation, headed by ACG Hussein Ejibunu, adding that their vigilance, integrity, and commitment to duty are commendable in the face of significant operational challenges.
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