In the first month of 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confiscated a sizable amount of petroleum that was trafficked.
800 25-liter jerry cans and a truckload of 33,000 liters of petroleum were seized by the NCS during a series of operations conducted along Kwara State’s border towns. It is estimated that the seized goods are worth N53 million in total.
This was revealed by NCS Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi on February 17, 2025, in Ilorin, during his familiarization tour of the Kwara State command.
The seizures took place in several locations, including Baruten, Kaiama woodland, Ilesha-Baruba, and Gure border towns, and took place between mid-January and February 15, according to Adeniyi.
“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,” Adeniyi said
“This operation is part of our ongoing crackdown on smugglers operating across the country,” Adeniyi briefed newsmen. “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.”
Additionally, the NCS Comptroller emphasized the accomplishments of “Operation Whirlwind,” which has produced significant outcomes. These include the closure of 12 smuggling-related retail locations, the confiscation of 460,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) meant for neighboring nations, the seizure of 23 vehicles, and the seizure of more than 8,000 kegs of PMS. Three marketers are being prosecuted for regulatory offenses connected to the operation, and seven people have been taken into custody overall.
The sophistication of smuggling networks was highlighted by Adeniyi, who said that the growing trend of petroleum smuggling poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economy, especially after the fuel subsidy was removed. He pointed out that although it was anticipated that the elimination of subsidies would lessen smuggling, pricing differences between Nigeria and its neighbours continue to be a major factor in the illicit gasoline 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.
He further warned perpetrators to desist as the law would eventually catch up with them.
