The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its efforts to combat the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), reporting significant seizures under Operation Whirlwind in Kwara State.
In a statement issued on Monday, the service revealed that between January 14 and February 11, 2025, NCS operatives intercepted over 53,000 litres of PMS, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N53 million.
Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, shared the details during a press briefing at the Kwara Command, emphasizing that fuel smuggling presents a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
“Despite the removal of fuel subsidies, we continue to witness the exploitation of the price gap between Nigeria and neighboring countries. This illegal trade undermines government policies, inflates fuel prices, and creates artificial scarcity, directly affecting the Nigerian public,” Adeniyi stated.
He highlighted that, as of February 10, 2025, the global price of petroleum was N1,184.83 per litre in Nigeria, compared to N1,680.32 per litre in Benin and N2,030.89 per litre in Cameroon. “The significant price difference has driven large-scale smuggling, creating a black market economy that deprives Nigeria of essential resources,” he added.
Adeniyi emphasized that fuel smuggling is not only a loss of revenue but an act of economic sabotage. “Every litre smuggled out of Nigeria is a litre that could have powered local industries, facilitated transportation, and supported small businesses.”
The Comptroller-General noted that through intelligence-driven operations and routine patrols, NCS operatives successfully intercepted smuggled fuel across key locations such as Gure Road, Bankubu, Illesha Baruba, and Kayama Forest.
On January 14, Customs seized 94 jerry cans containing 2,350 litres of PMS at Gure Road, valued at N2.35 million. Later, on February 5, operatives intercepted 162 jerry cans holding 4,050 litres of PMS at Kayama Forest in a Nissan Pickup, valued at N4.05 million. On February 11, a 33,000-litre tanker truck carrying PMS was intercepted along Siya Buriya Road, with a value of N33 million.
Adeniyi acknowledged the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by smugglers, which prompted the NCS to adopt a technology-driven strategy. “Smuggling networks are becoming more advanced, but so are we. With real-time intelligence, enhanced surveillance systems, and strategic community engagement, we are closing in on economic saboteurs,” he stated.
He assured that the NCS would continue its nationwide anti-smuggling operations and urged border communities, fuel marketers, and other stakeholders to support the fight against the illegal fuel trade.
“We will maintain close collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to ensure compliance and protect Nigeria’s economic interests,” Adeniyi affirmed.
He also issued a stern warning to those involved in fuel smuggling, stating that the full force of the law would be applied to anyone participating in the illicit trade.
