Fuel diversion along Nigeria’s border communities has continued to test enforcement agencies, especially in the Badagry axis where illegal cross-border movements of petrol have persisted for years. On Sunday, the tide turned again as operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted three fuel tankers carrying 154,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), foiling what officials described as an attempted diversion.
The operation, conducted under the codename Operation Whirlwind, took place across the Owode Apa, Seme and Badagry corridor routes long considered sensitive economic arteries due to their proximity to international borders.
Intelligence-Led Clampdown
Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, said the tankers were laden with 60,000 litres, 49,000 litres and 45,000 litres respectively, in clear contravention of established Standard Operating Procedures guiding petroleum movement.
“Their interception was not accidental; it was the outcome of intelligence-driven operations, vigilance, and the uncompromising resolve of Operation Whirlwind to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and energy security,” Aliyu stated.
He disclosed that sustained surveillance over nine weeks also led to the seizure of 1,630 jerry-cans of PMS (25 litres each), totalling 40,750 litres with a Duty Paid Value of ₦40.75 million.
No Haven for Economic Saboteurs
Aliyu warned that the transportation of petroleum products is governed by strict regulatory frameworks designed to prevent diversion, smuggling, hoarding and economic sabotage.
“The border corridors of Owode Apa, Seme, and Badagry remain sensitive economic arteries. These routes have historically been exploited for illegal cross-border petroleum movements. However, let it be clearly stated that under our watch, there will be no haven for economic saboteurs,” he warned.
In line with inter-agency collaboration, the seized tankers were handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for regulatory action, while the PMS contained in jerry-cans was auctioned publicly in accordance with extant regulations to reinforce transparency and accountability.