IKEJA, LAGOS — OCT 5, 2026— The Nigeria Customs Service has auctioned 22,175 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind along the Lagos-Ogun border corridors.
The public auction, held Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, was conducted on the directive of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Addressing journalists, stakeholders and officers at the exercise, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind said the auction involved 887 jerry-cans of 25 litres each of PMS, plus five means of conveyance, with total Duty Paid Value of N32,175,000.
Intelligence-Led Burst At Flashpoint
He said the seizures were made in recent weeks across identified smuggling flashpoints including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme-Badagry, following credible and actionable intelligence that disrupted a coordinated network smuggling PMS to neighbouring countries.
“Operation Whirlwind is a targeted anti-smuggling initiative established to curb illegal movement, diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products, protect Nigeria’s economic interests, strengthen national energy security and ensure products meant for domestic consumption are not unlawfully diverted,” he said.
He added that the Service has intensified surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement along major routes associated with diversion of petroleum products.
Transparent Auction, Stern Warning
The National Coordinator said the auction demonstrates NCS commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of seized products in line with extant laws and approved procedures, urging participants to adhere strictly to guidelines to ensure a fair and orderly process.
He appreciated CGC Adeniyi and management for strategic direction, the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, and NMDPRA for collaboration, and officers and men of Operation Whirlwind Zone A Lagos-Ogun Axis for diligence, professionalism and courage.
He warned smugglers: “To those still engaged in illegal smuggling, diversion and cross-border movement of petroleum products, let this exercise serve as clear warning;
Operation Whirlwind remains resolute, relentless and intelligence-driven. We will continue to identify, intercept and dismantle smuggling networks and bring perpetrators to justice.”
He appealed to members of the public, especially border communities, to support Customs and other security agencies with timely, credible information, noting the fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility.
“Operation Whirlwind will continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and enforcement across all fronts to safeguard petroleum resources, protect the economy and strengthen energy security,” he assured.
