NCS Operation Whirlwind Auctions 20,500 litres PMS with DPV N38,000,000

By Stella Okocha 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) auctioned a total of 20,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N38,000,000, intercepted by “Operation Whirlwind” a Special Unit set up by the Comptroller General of the Service to checkmate petroleum products smuggling to the public.

Addressing journalists on Monday at the Customs training school Ikeja, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu said the NCS will continue to uphold its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s economy, protecting vital assets, and tackling all forms of smuggling and economic sabotage.

National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu

Aliyu informed the press that recent efforts have been significantly intensified through improved surveillance, stronger intelligence operations, and more robust enforcement activities along major routes identified for the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.

According to Aliyu “Operation Whirlwind was established as a strategic national initiative to combat the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products. The operation is designed to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security, preserve government revenue, and ensure that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption reach legitimate end users without unlawful diversion”.

“Acting based on credible intelligence, our operatives successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighboring countries. During this operation, a total of 820 jerry-cans of 25 litres each, were intercepted, amounting to 20,500 litres. These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry”.

Aliyu also explained that the five (5) vehicles used in conveying the seized petroleum products, were also intercepted; and has a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized PMS and the vehicles is estimated at ₦38,000,000 (Thirty-Eight Million Naira Only).

“The Seized PMS Products up for auction today were seized through dedicated enforcement operations and reliable intelligence. They had been earmarked for illegal export to neighboring countries in direct contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products”.

“Petroleum smuggling remains a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security. It deprives the government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain, encourages artificial scarcity, fuels criminal enterprises, and undermines the gains of ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector. The Nigeria Customs Service will therefore continue to confront these criminal activities with unwavering determination”, Aliyu stated.

Speaking in line with legal provisions and commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, Aliyu said the seized PMS is being disposed of through public auction; to ensure that the products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than being diverted into illegal channels.

Aliyu added that the auction is being carried out with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to guarantee transparency, accountability, and integrity, in the disposal process.

He acknowledged the invaluable leadership and strategic guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser, under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, mni, whose unwavering commitment to inter-agency cooperation has greatly enhanced the operational effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind.

He also applaud the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its technical proficiency and regulatory oversight, which help ensure that enforcement measures adhere to best practices while effectively addressing weaknesses in the distribution network.

Aliyu extends profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their exceptional leadership, steadfast support, and commitment to providing the resources and policy direction that continue to strengthen Operation Whirlwind across all operational zones.

He salute the dedicated officers and personnel of Operation Whirlwind, along with the partner agencies for their professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment in making the interception possible and continue to thwart the efforts of smugglers and economic saboteurs.

Operation Whirlwind also issued clear warning to all individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products; stating the team remains intelligence-driven, proactive, and uncompromising in its resolve. “We shall continue to identify, intercept, investigate, and dismantle all smuggling networks operating within and around our borders”.

“We call on members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to keep supporting security agencies by providing accurate and timely information. Combating smuggling is a shared responsibility, and your cooperation is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests”, Aliyu added.

Aliyu reaffirms that the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources and ensuring their use serves the best interests of the Nigerian people. “Transparency continues to be a cornerstone of our operations. This auction exercise underscores our commitment to accountability and the responsible management of seized petroleum products. All participants are expected to adhere strictly to the established procedures governing the exercise”, Aliyu stated.

He reassured Nigerians that Operation Whirlwind will continue to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, and enforcement operations across all operational theatres. “We remain committed to dismantling every network engaged in petroleum smuggling and ensuring that Nigeria’s economic interests are vigorously protected”.