The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered and dismantled a fuel smuggling network operating along the Southwest border corridor.
The operation, revealed during a briefing in Ikeja, led to the seizure of 14,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), following intelligence-driven efforts by operatives.
According to the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Abubakar Aliyu, the crackdown targeted smugglers exporting fuel to neighbouring countries.
“Over the past few weeks, our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, have successfully dismantled a coordinated network of smugglers engaged in the illegal export of PMS to neighbouring countries,” he said.
The seizures were made across key border locations including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and the Seme-Badagry axis, with a total of 544 jerrycans recovered.
The confiscated fuel, valued at N14.8 million, has since been auctioned to prevent it from re-entering illegal distribution channels.
“This auction is being carried out with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, and media representatives to ensure transparency and accountability,” Aliyu stated.
