Customs seizes ₦58m worth of smuggled fuel in Lagos, Ogun

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 35,535 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with a duty-paid value of ₦58.36 million, in an intensified crackdown on fuel smuggling across Lagos and Ogun States.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, made the disclosure during a press briefing in Lagos on Friday.

He was represented by Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibunu, who showcased the seized fuel and vehicles used for illegal transport.

The seizure was carried out by Operation Whirlwind, an anti-smuggling unit operating under Customs Zone A. Acting on intelligence, the officers recovered 1,134 jerrycans and 33 drums of PMS at notorious fuel-smuggling flashpoints, including Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Badagry, Owode, Eree, and Obada Imeko.

“This is a major breakthrough,” Ejibunu stated. “Smugglers had concealed the fuel in preparation for illegal export to the Republic of Benin.”

In addition to the fuel, six vehicles used to convey the smuggled products were also impounded. The combined value of the seized fuel and vehicles totals ₦58.36 million.

Adeniyi said these operations show Customs’ determination to protect Nigeria’s economy and energy supply. “Fuel smuggling not only drains national revenue but also worsens fuel shortages affecting citizens,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A Ikeja reported additional seizures worth ₦1.78 billion between June 3 and July 18. The FOU also recovered ₦95.59 million in underpaid duties.

Nine suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures, with some granted administrative bail and others handed over to relevant security agencies.