By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Operation Whirlwind has announced the successful interception over 49,000 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth ₦80.4 million and sealed a filling station allegedly linked to illegal fuel trading in Lagos State. The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind made this known during a press briefing and auction process held in Lagos, where he detailed recent enforcement successes within the Lagos–Ogun operational axis.Addressing journalists during a press briefing and auction process at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Kola Oladeji, reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to curbing the diversion, hoarding, and smuggling of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.
“Operation Whirlwind is a special task force constituted to address the growing menace of petroleum product smuggling, hoarding, and associated economic sabotage. This operation aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the downstream oil sector”, he stated. According to him, within the past seven weeks, operatives under Zone A, covering Lagos and Ogun States made significant breakthroughs through coordinated, intelligence-led operations.”The Operatives, acting on credible intelligence and in line with our renewed mandate, successfully intercepted a total of: 1,980 Jerricans of 25liters/30liters respectively of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) yielding a volume of 49,500 Litres, at various notorious smuggling flashpoints within Ajilete Axis, Ijoun Axis, Ilaro Axis, Badagry Axis, Owode Idiroko Axis, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko Axis.”
The petroleum products, he explained, were carefully concealed and being prepared for illegal export to the Republic of Benin when they were seized along with seven vehicles used for conveyance.“Following this successful interception, further investigations led our operatives to a retail outlet identified as Adeola-Ade PLC Filling Station located along Owode-Apa Road, Badagry”, he said.“Upon inspection, serious infractions were observed regarding the handling, storage, and potential illegal sales of petroleum products at the station.”The Coordinator added that the filling station was immediately sealed to prevent further economic sabotage and ensure public safety. He further noted that one Adeola Ismail, was arrested outside the premises for questioning over alleged links to the illegal activities, but was later granted administrative bail after proper legal representation and profiling by the Legal Unit of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU Zone A).
ACG Oladeji reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to strengthening operational capacity, deepening inter-agency collaboration, and promoting public awareness on the dangers of smuggling and resource diversion.He further urged citizens to support the ongoing anti-smuggling campaign by providing actionable information and promoting compliance with national laws.
