Nigeria Customs has intercepted and handed over 159,000 litres of_ petrol to regulators, tightening the noose on fuel smugglers exploiting border routes.
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has transferred three seized fuel tankers loaded with over 159,000 litres of petrol to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further action.
Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, said the tankers were intercepted along notorious smuggling corridors, including Aso-Odo, Seme, Owode-Apa and Badagry, describing the seizure as a major breakthrough against economic sabotage.
He revealed that Customs also confiscated 1,630 jerry-cans of petrol worth about ₦40.75 million, which will be auctioned to the public to ensure transparency and accountability.
Aliyu stressed that the operation was intelligence-driven and aimed at protecting Nigeria’s economic and energy security, warning smugglers that illegal diversion of petroleum products would no longer be tolerated.
He noted that fuel smuggling undermines government policy, distorts market stability and deprives the nation of critical revenue, while reaffirming Customs’ commitment to strict enforcement.
Receiving the seized fuel, NMDPRA representative, Grace Dauda, warned that diverting petroleum products meant for domestic use was illegal and harmful to the nation, urging public cooperation to curb economic sabotage.
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