The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confiscated a substantial quantity of smuggled petroleum in the first month of 2025. During a series of operations across border towns in Kwara State, customs officials seized 800 jerry cans of 25 litres each, along with a truck carrying 33,000 litres of petrol. The total estimated value of the seized fuel stands at N53 million.
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, revealed this during a familiarization tour of the Kwara State command in Ilorin on February 17, 2025. He stated that the interceptions, which took place between mid-January and February 15, occurred in various locations, including Baruten, Kaiama forest, Ilesha-Baruba, and Gure border towns.
“This operation is part of our intensified efforts to combat smuggling nationwide,” Adeniyi stated. “The Kwara border with Benin Republic remains a key focus area, and we are deploying senior officers to enhance surveillance and enforcement.”
Adeniyi also highlighted the achievements of Operation Whirlwind, an ongoing anti-smuggling initiative. Key outcomes include the closure of 12 illegal fuel retail outlets, the seizure of 460,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for smuggling, and the confiscation of 23 smuggling vehicles and over 8,000 kegs of PMS. Additionally, seven suspects have been arrested, and three marketers are currently facing prosecution for regulatory violations.
Addressing the growing sophistication of fuel smuggling networks, Adeniyi pointed out that despite the removal of fuel subsidies, price differences between Nigeria and its neighboring countries continue to drive illegal fuel trade. “While petrol prices in Nigeria hover around N1,000 per litre, the cost in Benin Republic and Cameroon is much higher—approximately N1,700 and N2,000, respectively. This price gap fuels cross-border smuggling,” he explained.
The Customs chief urged stronger collaboration in tackling smuggling and warned those involved to desist or face strict legal consequences.
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