Customs Seize ₦39m Worth of Petrol, ₦24m Vehicles in Badagry, Lagos-Ogun Border

By Peter Dansu  In a significant move against cross-border smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully seized petrol and v...

By Peter Dansu 

In a significant move against cross-border smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully seized petrol and vehicles worth over ₦63 million during a series of operations along the Lagos and Ogun border, particularly in Badagry.

This operation, part of the special anti-smuggling taskforce known as *Operation Whirlwind*, focused on well-known smuggling routes and produced impressive results. In a statement released on Sunday, Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Ejibunu, who serves as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, hailed the seizures as a major victory in the ongoing battle against economic sabotage.

“There’s no refuge for smugglers or those undermining our economy. We’re committed to disrupting their operations and minimizing their impact,” Ejibunu stated.

Throughout the operation, Customs officials intercepted 1,577 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, with each can holding 25 litres. This totals an impressive 39,425 litres, which has a duty-paid value of ₦39,425,000. Additionally, eight vehicles used for transporting the fuel, valued at ₦24 million, were also seized.

These seizures took place in several key smuggling hotspots, including Badagry, Ilaro, Imeko, Owode, and Ajilete. Investigations indicated that the smuggled petrol was being prepared for illegal export to the neighboring Benin Republic.

Ejibunu commended the hard work of Customs officers, highlighting that they've reached some impressive milestones over the past year thanks to their dedication, discipline, and resilience.

To make sure that the seized fuel directly benefits Nigerians, Customs has announced it will be auctioned off right away at a subsidized price of ₦10,000 per jerrycan. This decision, backed by Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, aims to alleviate the effects of fuel scarcity and discourage illegal exports.

Ejibunu also expressed gratitude for the support from key partners, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

In line with this success, Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s economy and national interests.

“This significant achievement showcases the determination and steadfast commitment of our officers to protect Nigeria’s economic and national security,” Orbih remarked.

With fuel smuggling still posing a serious threat to national revenue and supply stability, this latest seizure highlights Customs’ determination to crack down on offenders and strengthen control in border communities like Badagry.