April 08, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted no fewer than 635,132 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in a sustained anti-smuggling campaign spanning six months, from October to date.
A review of official reports shows that the seizures were made across multiple border regions as smugglers attempted to divert petroleum products to neighbouring countries.
In October, operatives intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of PMS, equivalent to 49,500 litres valued at ₦80.4 million along smuggling routes in Lagos and Ogun states. The former National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Kola Oladeji, disclosed that the seizures occurred at key flashpoints, including Ajilete, Ijoun, Badagry, and Owode Idiroko axes.
That same month, the Kebbi Area Command recorded seizures of 35,725 litres of PMS and other contraband worth over ₦109.5 million.
In December, the operation intensified in Adamawa State, where Customs officials confiscated 284,006 litres of PMS valued at more than ₦181 million. The haul included thousands of jerrycans, drums, and products stored in a filling station, alongside two boats used for cross-border transport.
More recently, in March, 14,375 litres of PMS worth ₦14.4 million were seized in Calabar en route to Cameroon.
Additionally, 14,875 litres intercepted in the Lagos/Ogun axis were auctioned to the public last week.
The NCS says the crackdown reflects strengthened intelligence, surveillance, and enforcement aimed at curbing smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
