The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has auctioned 22,175 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, intercepted by Operation Whirlwind along the Lagos-Ogun axis.
The seized petroleum products and five means of conveyance used for their alleged smuggling had a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N32.1 million.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this on Monday in Lagos during the public auction held at the Customs Training College, Ikeja.
Aliyu said the auction was conducted on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, as part of efforts to ensure transparency, accountability and prudent management of seized petroleum products in accordance with extant laws and approved procedures.
He said Customs operatives intercepted 887 jerry cans, each containing 25 litres of petrol, bringing the total volume to 22,175 litres.
According to him, the seizures were made at identified flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and the Seme-Badagry axis, following credible and actionable intelligence.
Aliyu said the combined DPV of the seized petrol and the means of conveyance stood at N32.1 million, describing the operation as intelligence-driven and targeted.
He explained that Operation Whirlwind was established as a targeted anti-smuggling initiative to curb the illegal movement, diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries.
He said the NCS had intensified surveillance, strengthened intelligence gathering and enhanced enforcement along major routes identified as vulnerable to the illegal diversion of petroleum products.
Aliyu added that the measures were aimed at protecting Nigeria’s economic interests, strengthening national energy security and ensuring that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption were not diverted.
He urged participants and stakeholders at the auction to adhere strictly to the established guidelines to ensure a fair, orderly and transparent exercise.
The national coordinator commended the Comptroller-General and the management of the NCS for providing strategic direction and support for Operation Whirlwind.
He also appreciated the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for their continued collaboration in tackling petroleum product smuggling.
Aliyu further commended officers and personnel of Operation Whirlwind Zone A for their professionalism, diligence and commitment to duty.
He warned individuals involved in the illegal smuggling and diversion of petroleum products that the operation would remain intelligence-driven in its efforts to disrupt smuggling networks.
He also called on border communities to provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities, stressing that combating smuggling required collective efforts.
The Acting Commandant of the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Deputy Comptroller Patience Ita, said the Comptroller-General maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards the smuggling of petroleum products and other goods.
Ita, who hosted the public auction, said the exercise should serve as a warning to smugglers, adding that even small-scale smuggling of petroleum products could have negative consequences for the national economy.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
