Residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, were full of excitement as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Operation Whirlwind auctioned seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at ₦94.4 million to the public, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability in resource management.
At a press briefing in Ibadan on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Kola Oladiji, announced the interception of 14,000 litres of PMS worth ₦14 million. The product, concealed in a tanker truck with registration number DGB 722 XR, was seized along the Igbeti-Ogbomoso Road while allegedly being smuggled to the Republic of Benin.
Oladiji explained that the auction was conducted transparently and in line with customs regulations, adding that the seized fuel was sold at ₦600 per litre to members of the public at a designated filling station, allowing nearby communities to benefit directly.
“This interception is not just about a tanker or a quantity of fuel; it is about protecting our economy, ensuring accountability in the downstream petroleum sector, and upholding the rights of Nigerians against unpatriotic profiteering,” he stated.
READ ALSO:
He noted that credible intelligence and quick operational response led to the successful seizure, stressing that the move supports the Federal Government’s efforts to safeguard national resources and ensure that petroleum products remain available for domestic use.
In another operation along the Lagos-Ogun border axis, the task force intercepted 1,980 jerrycans containing 49,500 litres of PMS, valued at ₦80.4 million, from several smuggling flashpoints including Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Badagry, Owode-Idiroko, and Imeko. A filling station, Adeola-Ade PLC, was also sealed for infractions in handling petroleum products.
Oladiji reaffirmed the team’s commitment to due process and professionalism in enforcement and disposal activities, assuring that the welfare of Nigerians remains central to their mission.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for providing strategic intelligence support and lauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and institutional guidance.
“Operation Whirlwind will continue to collaborate with security agencies, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and other partners to combat fuel smuggling and safeguard the economy,” he said.
Oladiji urged citizens to support the fight against economic sabotage by providing credible intelligence to aid enforcement operations.
“The fight against fuel diversion is a collective responsibility. We must all work together to protect our national resources,” he concluded.
