The Nigeria Customs Service has transferred three fuel tankers loaded with over 159,000 litres of petrol seized during an anti smuggling operation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for further regulatory action.
The handover was conducted in Lagos by Deputy Comptroller and National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Abubakar Aliyu, who described the seizure as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb illegal fuel trade.
According to him, the tankers were intercepted along key smuggling routes including Aso Odo, Seme, Owode Apa and Badagry, areas frequently associated with cross border petroleum diversion.
Aliyu disclosed that 1,630 jerry cans of petrol recovered during the operation, with an estimated duty paid value of about N40.75 million, would be auctioned publicly to ensure transparency and accountability.
He emphasised that the intelligence driven operation demonstrates Customs’ commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic and energy security, noting that fuel smuggling undermines market stability and deprives the country of critical revenue.
Aliyu commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for strengthening enforcement efforts and urged citizens to support authorities in combating economic sabotage.
Also speaking, Grace Dauda reaffirmed the regulator’s resolve to prevent petroleum products intended for domestic consumption from being illegally exported.