Nigeria’s Customs Seizes Petrol Worth N93 Million in Adamawa Under Anti-Smuggling Operation

The Nigeria Customs Service says it has recorded seizures valued at more than N93 million in Adamawa State within just six weeks, as officials intensify efforts to crack down on fuel smuggling under Operation Whirlwind.

The latest figures were announced in Yola, where Customs described the operation as part of a broader push to protect food security, energy supply and national stability.

Operation Whirlwind Targets Smuggling Networks Across Border Routes

According to Customs, the seizures were made through intelligence-led enforcement activities designed to disrupt organized smuggling syndicates operating across several parts of Adamawa.

Officials said the campaign has focused on key routes and border corridors where illegal export activity has remained persistent.

The operation reportedly covered multiple areas, including Mubi-Sahuda, Farang-Belel, Gurin-Fufore, Maiha, Mubi and the Pariya-Wuro Bokki axis.

Seized Petrol Found in Jerry Cans, Drums and Vehicles

Customs said the confiscated goods included 64,410 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, better known as petrol, hidden inside 2,550 jerry cans of 25 litres each.

In addition, officials said they recovered three drums of 220 litres each containing petrol, along with two vehicles allegedly used to move the products for smuggling purposes.

The service placed the total Duty Paid Value of the seized items at N93,029,800.

Tanker Carrying 50,000 Litres Also Intercepted

Beyond the smaller-scale seizures, Customs also said its operatives intercepted a DAF tanker carrying 50,000 litres of petrol along the Mubi-Uba road on April 15.

Officials said the tanker was stopped over suspected diversion and will now be handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for further action.

That interception suggests the operation is not only targeting roadside carriers and small smugglers, but also larger transport channels.

Customs Says Smuggling Is Driven by Cross-Border Price Gaps

Officials blamed the continued illegal movement of petroleum products on the sharp price differences between Nigeria and neighboring countries such as Cameroon and the Benin Republic.

According to Customs, those price gaps have continued to create strong incentives for smugglers seeking quick profit through illegal exportation.

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The agency said that despite fuel market deregulation, the government remains committed to stabilizing the domestic market and stopping petroleum products from being diverted out of the country.

Agency Cites Legal Backing for Seizures

Customs said the seizures were made in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, citing provisions that prohibit the unlawful movement of goods and empower officers to patrol, intercept and confiscate items involved in smuggling activities.

By pointing to the law, officials sought to show that the operation is being carried out within an established legal framework rather than as an ad hoc enforcement exercise.

Service Plans to Auction Seized Petrol

The agency said the seized petrol will be auctioned in accordance with the law, with proceeds expected to be paid into the Federation Account.

Customs also used the occasion to restate its commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and reducing illegal trade activities as much as possible.

Officials praised the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NMDPRA, other security agencies and stakeholders for supporting the operation.

Customs Urges Public and Media to Join the Fight

As part of its message, the service appealed to the public to help security agencies by providing useful and timely information about smuggling activity.

It also called on the media to educate the public on the wider damage caused by smuggling, especially its effects on the economy and national security.

That appeal suggests Customs sees public cooperation as a necessary part of sustaining enforcement success.

Impact and Consequences

The seizures could help slow the illegal outflow of fuel from Adamawa and protect local supply in the short term, especially at a time when cross-border diversion remains a sensitive issue for Nigeria’s energy market.

Large interceptions like these may also disrupt the operations of smuggling networks that depend on repeated small-scale and bulk movements across border communities.

At the same time, the figures highlight how deeply rooted the trade remains.

As long as fuel price differences between Nigeria and neighboring countries stay wide, enforcement agencies are likely to face continuing pressure from smugglers seeking to exploit the gap.

What’s next?

The immediate next step will likely be the disposal process for the seized petrol and the transfer of the intercepted tanker to the NMDPRA for investigation.

Beyond that, Customs is expected to continue intelligence-led surveillance across the Adamawa border axis and possibly widen pressure on routes known for recurring smuggling activity.

Attention will also be on whether further arrests, prosecutions or additional seizures emerge as Operation Whirlwind continues.

Summary

The Nigeria Customs Service says it seized petrol and related items worth more than N93 million in Adamawa within six weeks under Operation Whirlwind.

The agency said the operation uncovered thousands of litres of petrol packed in jerry cans and drums, intercepted vehicles linked to smuggling, and stopped a tanker carrying 50,000 litres over suspected diversion.

Customs says the crackdown is aimed at protecting national stability, safeguarding fuel supply and dismantling smuggling networks driven by cross-border price differences.

Bulleted Takeaways:

• The Nigeria Customs Service says it made seizures worth N93.03 million in Adamawa.
• The seizures were recorded within six weeks under Operation Whirlwind.
• Officials said 64,410 litres of petrol were found in 2,550 jerry cans.
• Three 220-litre drums of petrol were also recovered.
• Two vehicles allegedly used for conveyance were seized.
• Customs said it made 47 seizures across several Adamawa routes.
• A DAF tanker carrying 50,000 litres of petrol was intercepted on the Mubi-Uba road.
• The tanker will be handed over to the NMDPRA for further action.
• Customs blamed persistent smuggling on fuel price differences with neighboring countries.
• The seized petrol will be auctioned and proceeds paid into the Federation Account.