Adewale Adeniyi, CG, Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 500 jerry cans (25 litres each) and two drums of petrol, worth over ₦25.9 million, at smuggling hotspots along the Babana border axis in Niger State.

The announcement was made during a press briefing on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Nigeria Customs Niger-Kogi Command headquarters in Minna.

According to Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu, who is also the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, the petrol was concealed in vehicles and containers across notorious routes including Kabe-Tunga-Madugu Road, Kabe-Kibera Road, Dekara-Gedang-Zana Road, and Babana-Gwarizo Road.

Ejibunu warned of the economic and security implications of fuel smuggling, saying:

“Smuggling petroleum products out of Nigeria undermines government efforts, fuels insecurity, and constitutes a major form of economic sabotage.” He added:

“Smuggling of PMS is detrimental to the survival of Nigeria. It has economic and security disadvantages as well. It will interest you to note that most of those bandits attacking us, how do they get food, is through this means. And now it is prudence equally to believe and allow such a quantum of fuel to go outside Nigeria to go into their hands.

“It means we are fueling our traducers, giving them more power and energy to come in to attack us. It is important to note that as Nigerians, it is our responsibility when you see something, you say something. Do not allow this to continue because a lot of people within Nigeria are looking for this product, and they may not even get it.”

He revealed that the seized fuel was meant for illegal export and highlighted the role of intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and community support in the success of the operation.

“This is the first time such a large seizure is happening in Niger State, and it sends a clear message that we are serious about stopping this menace.”

Although no arrests were made, Ejibunu emphasized the importance of apprehending suspects:

“I would have loved a situation where someone is arrested and we bring him to justice. I want our officers to know that their job is incomplete if they do not bring in a suspect. Suspect is germane and critical towards establishing the ways and manner in which these smuggled products are being taken to and who is receiving them.”

“Our refineries are working now, but people still take out our fuel and sell it to people in other countries. Our PMS is for in-house consumption and not for export. Anyone who wants to export it should pass through the due process.”

Ejibunu also acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Customs Area Controller of the Niger-Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, praised the officers’ efforts and appealed for logistical support:

“This seizure demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies and communities work together. With continued support and proper logistics, we can reduce this problem to the barest minimum.”

The seized petrol is slated for public auction at ₦10,000 per jerry can, according to Operation Whirlwin.