The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a significant quantity of smuggled petroleum within the first month of 2025. In a series of operations carried out along border towns in Kwara State, the NCS intercepted 800 jerry cans, each with a 25-litre capacity, along with a truckload containing 33,000 litres of petroleum. The total value of the seized products is estimated at N53 million.

Comptroller General of the NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this during his familiarization tour of the Kwara State command on February 17, 2025, in Ilorin. Adeniyi noted that the seizures, which occurred between mid-January and February 15, were made in different locations, including Baruten, Kaiama forest, Ilesha-Baruba, and Gure border towns.

“This operation is part of our ongoing crackdown on smugglers operating across the country,” Adeniyi said. “The Kwara border with Benin Republic remains a critical axis for our operations, and we are reinforcing our presence in the area with senior officers to ensure greater vigilance.”

The NCS Comptroller also highlighted the success of “Operation Whirlwind,” which has yielded substantial results. These include the sealing of 12 retail outlets involved in smuggling, the seizure of 460,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for neighbouring countries, and the confiscation of 23 means of conveyance and over 8,000 kegs of PMS. In total, seven suspects have been arrested, and three marketers are facing prosecution for regulatory offences linked to the operation.

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Adeniyi emphasized the sophistication of smuggling networks, stating that the increasing trend of petroleum smuggling is a significant challenge to Nigeria’s economy, particularly since the removal of the fuel subsidy. He noted that despite expectations that the subsidy removal would reduce smuggling, price disparities between Nigeria and neighbouring countries remain a driving force for illegal fuel trade. “While petroleum prices in Nigeria have risen to just under N1,000 per litre, prices in countries like Benin Republic and Cameroon are much higher, at around N1,700 and N2,000 respectively. This price difference continues to fuel cross-border smuggling activities,” he said.

The Customs boss reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts to curb smuggling and warned individuals involved in these illegal activities to desist or face severe consequences.