On Thursday, Comptroller Kehinde Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind within the Nigeria Customs Service, announced the seizure of 26,950 liters of petrol intended to be smuggled into the Republic of Benin.
The seized petrol is valued at N19 million.
Ejibunu explained that the seized petrol, amounting to 978 kegs of 25 liters each, was confiscated in Zone A of the NCS, which includes Lagos and Ogun states, over a two-week period.
He mentioned that the special squad was formed two weeks ago by the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, to strengthen the crackdown on fuel smuggling.
Ejibunu shared this information during a press briefing on Thursday at the Ogun State Command office of the NCS in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The customs officer pointed out that smuggling activities often cause artificial fuel shortages in the country, driving prices up to as much as N900 per liter.
Ejibunu said,
“In just about two weeks of operation, the Operation Whirlwind team, Zone A axis intercepted 26,950 litres of premium motor spirit worth N19m,” he said.
“121 kegs of PMS of 25 litres equivalent to 3025 litres was intercepted at Oyinkansola Global Concept along Badagry/Seme road in Lagos State on 31st of May 2024. Means of conveyance were two cars.
“77 drums of PMS (616 kegs of 25 litres) equivalent to 15, 400 litres was seized on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Seayab Petroleum along Imeko/Obada road in Ogun State. The means of conveyance is a truck with the registration number 95D4244D,”
He also reported that another 100 kegs of petrol, totaling 2,500 liters, were seized on Saturday, June 8, along the Owode/Atan road in Ogun State, and 6,025 liters (141 kegs of 25 liters each) were confiscated at Julankoly Oil and Gas on the Owode/Ilaro road.
Ejibunu stated that the fuel stations involved in these illegal activities have been shut down, and their owners will face prosecution.
He mentioned that the seized petrol will be auctioned soon due to its flammable nature.
Ejibunu warned those engaging in economic sabotage to stop or face legal consequences.
