SPOTLIGHTS
- 26,950 litres of petrol seized
- Seizures made in Ogun and Lagos states
- Operation conducted over two weeks
- Products worth an estimated N19 million
- Smugglers used cars and trucks for transportation
Operatives of Operation Whirlwind, a special task force of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone A, have intercepted and seized 26,950 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, concealed for illegal smuggling out of the country through Ogun State.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, disclosed this information during a press briefing at the Ogun Area II Command of the NCS, Quarry Road, Abeokuta, on Thursday. He stated that the seizure was made within two weeks of the operation’s inauguration by the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He explained that the special task force was established in collaboration with the National Security Adviser to combat the increasing problem of illegal petrol exportation. Ejibunu added that competent and dedicated officers from various customs formations were selected for the squad, receiving specialised training before deployment to the four customs zones.
He noted that the seized products, worth N19 million, were intercepted at various petrol stations in border communities across Ogun and Lagos States.
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Detailing the seizures, Ejibunu informed the press that 121 kegs of PMS (25 litres each), totalling 3,025 litres, and two cars used for transportation were seized at Oyinkansola Global Concept along Badagry/Seme Road, Lagos State.
He added that on June 7, 2024, the squad intercepted and seized 77 drums of PMS (equivalent to 15,400 litres) and a truck at Seayab Petroleum along Imeko/Obada-Idi Emi Road, Ogun State.
“100 kegs of PMS of 25 litres each, equivalent to 2,500 litres, were also seized at Quawiyan Resources Petroleum Nig. Ltd along Owode/Atan Road. One Toyota Camry used to transport the products was also confiscated on June 8, 2024. On the same day, at another petrol station named Julanky Oil and Gas along Owode/Ilaro Road, Ogun State, 141 kegs of PMS (25 litres each), equivalent to 6,025 litres, and two Toyota Avalon cars were seized.”
“Moving forward, the team anticipates more success, considering the NCS management’s commitment to refining certain areas for easier monitoring of product distribution channels to states and filling stations,” Ejibunu stated.
He warned individuals involved in the illegal exportation of petroleum products to desist from this act or face the full force of the law.