Customs auctions 22,175 litres of seized petrol

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Lucy Aliyu addressing journalists during the auction exercise in Ikeja.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Operation Whirlwind, has auctioned 22,175 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, intercepted by the service to the general public.

Addressing journalists during the auctioning exercise at the Customs Training College in Ikeja recently, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Controller of Customs, Lucky Aliyu, said the products, which were about to be smuggled to neighbouring countries, were intercepted within the Zone A axis and its environs.

While highlighting that the seizures were made across identified flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme-Badagry, Aliyu disclosed that the total duty-paid value of the seized petroleum products and the means of conveyance was N32.17m.

“In recent weeks, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of Operation Whirlwind successfully disrupted a coordinated network involved in the illegal movement and exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries.

“During these operations, a total of 887 jerrycans, each containing 25 litres of PMS, were intercepted, amounting to 22,175 litres, along with five means of conveyance,” Aliyu said.

He emphasised that the NCS continues to uphold its statutory mandate of safeguarding the nation’s economy, protecting vital national assets, and combating all forms of smuggling, illicit trade and economic sabotage.

Aliyu maintained that, in furtherance of the mandate, the service had intensified its efforts through enhanced surveillance, strengthened intelligence gathering and more robust enforcement operations along major routes and identified flashpoints associated with the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.

According to Lucky, the auction exercise is a clear demonstration of the NCS’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of seized petroleum products, in accordance with extant laws, regulations and approved procedures.

• Customs explains why shortlisted candidates await training invitations
• Spikers, NSCDC headline Day One as volleyball finals serve off
• Petrol, diesel prices rise 86% in eight months – Report

He urged all participants, stakeholders and members of the public to adhere strictly to the established guidelines governing the exercise to ensure that the process was conducted in a fair, orderly and transparent manner.

He warned petrol smugglers and those involved in the illegal diversion and cross-border movement of petroleum products that Operation Whirlwind remains resolute, relentless and intelligence-driven.

“We will continue to identify, intercept and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate, while ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice in accordance with the law,” he warned.

He appealed to members of the public, particularly residents of border communities, to continue supporting the efforts of the NCS and other relevant security and regulatory agencies by providing timely, accurate and credible information on suspicious activities.

He reiterated that the fight against smuggling and economic sabotage is a collective responsibility, and the cooperation of the public remains vital to achieving lasting success.

Aliyu commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire Management Team of the service for their continued support, strategic direction and unwavering commitment to the objectives of Operation Whirlwind.

“I assure you that Operation Whirlwind will continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and enforcement operations across all its operational fronts,” Aliyu said.

Operation Whirlwind is a targeted anti-smuggling initiative established to curb the illegal movement, diversion, and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products. The operation is primarily focused on protecting Nigeria’s economic interests, strengthening national energy security, and ensuring that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption are not unlawfully diverted across the nation’s borders.