Customs seize ₦93m worth of smuggled petrol in Adamawa crackdown

The Nigeria Customs Service says it has intercepted petroleum products worth ₦93.03 million in Adamawa State within six weeks, as part of ongoing anti-smuggling operations under “Operation Whirlwind.”

Speaking at a press briefing in Yola, the operation’s national coordinator, Abubakar Aliyu, said the seizures were the result of intelligence-driven efforts targeting smuggling networks across the state.

Representing the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, Aliyu disclosed that the total duty-paid value of the confiscated items stood at ₦93,029,800.

He explained that the seized products included 64,410 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS), stored in 2,550 jerry cans of 25 litres each, as well as three 220-litre drums of petrol. Two vehicles used in transporting the products were also impounded.

47 interceptions recorded across key border routes

Aliyu noted that the operation recorded 47 separate seizures across major smuggling corridors, including Mubi-Sahuda, Farang-Belel, Gurin-Fufore, Maiha, Mubi, and Pariya-Wuro Bokki.

In one of the major interceptions, operatives seized a DAF tanker carrying 50,000 litres of petrol along the Mubi-Uba road on April 15 over suspected diversion. He added that the tanker would be handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for further investigation.

According to the customs official, the success of the operation aligns with the mandate of Bola Tinubu to safeguard energy supply, food security, and national stability.

He attributed the persistence of petrol smuggling to price differences between Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as Cameroon and the Benin Republic, which continue to create incentives for illegal exports.

Aliyu said the seized fuel would be auctioned in accordance with the law, with proceeds paid into the federation account, while reaffirming the agency’s commitment to dismantling smuggling syndicates.

He also called on the public to support enforcement efforts by providing credible information, stressing that collaboration remains key to curbing economic sabotage and protecting national resources.

Also read: Lagos gets new 24-car trains to boost Red Line capacity, cut commute time