The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 1,980 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, worth ₦80.4 million, allegedly being smuggled to the Republic of Benin.

The seizure was made by Operation Whirlwind, a special anti-smuggling unit of the NCS, within various locations in Lagos and Ogun States over the last seven weeks.

Speaking to journalists in Ikeja on Tuesday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller-General Kola Oladeji, said the team acted on credible intelligence to stop the illegal exportation.

“Our operatives successfully intercepted a total of 1,980 jerrycans of petrol amounting to 49,500 litres at several notorious smuggling flashpoints, including Ajilete, Ijoun, Haro, Badagry, Owode Idiroko, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko,” Oladeji said.

He added that the total duty-paid value of the seized fuel and the seven vehicles used to transport it amounted to ₦80.4 million.

According to Oladeji, further investigations led to the discovery of a retail outlet on Owode-Apa Road in Badagry, where serious infractions involving the handling and storage of petroleum products were detected. The filling station was sealed immediately to prevent further economic sabotage.

He disclosed that one suspect was arrested near the location during a routine security sweep. The individual was later granted administrative bail after legal representation and initial interrogation.

Oladeji emphasized that the Customs Service remains determined to curb fuel smuggling, which undermines Nigeria’s economy and causes local supply shortages.

“These seizures reaffirm our resolve to combat smuggling and other illicit trade that threaten the nation’s economic well-being,” he stated.

The Customs chief called on Nigerians to support the agency with credible information to help protect national resources and promote compliance with trade laws.