The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 38,700 litres of petrol in Adamawa State during a six-week operation targeting suspected petroleum smuggling.

The operation was carried out by Operation Whirlwind, a Customs initiative focused on stopping the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders. Customs officials also intercepted a vehicle allegedly used to transport the seized fuel.

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller-General Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Yola, Adamawa State.

According to Aliyu, officers recovered 1,548 jerrycans of petrol, with each container holding 25 litres. The total quantity seized was valued, alongside the intercepted vehicle, at ₦63.115 million. The figure represents the combined duty-paid value of the products and vehicle, rather than the petrol alone.

Customs Targets Five Suspected Smuggling Routes

Aliyu said the operation was guided by intelligence on suspected illegal movements of petroleum products through border communities and other routes in Adamawa.

The affected areas included Malabu-Belel, Girei-Wuro Bokki, Gurin-Fufore, Wuro Alhaji-Maiha and Mubi-Sahuda.

He said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt smuggling networks and prevent petroleum products meant for the Nigerian market from being illegally moved across the borders.

Customs Warns Against Petroleum Smuggling

The Customs official warned that petroleum smuggling could affect domestic fuel supply and undermine efforts to protect the country’s economic interests.

He added that Operation Whirlwind would continue working to tackle illegal trade and improve enforcement along suspected smuggling routes.

The latest seizure highlights the challenges facing authorities as they seek to prevent the diversion of petroleum products and protect Nigeria’s domestic energy supply.

Customs has not disclosed details of any arrests connected with the seizure.