Nigeria Customs Seizes, Auctions 14,375 Litres of Petrol Meant for Smuggling to Cameroon

The Nigeria Customs Service has auctioned 14,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of efforts to curb cross-border smuggling.

At a media briefing in Calabar, the Service disclosed that the seized fuel, valued at ₦14,375,000, was confiscated under Operation Whirlwind, a special anti-petroleum smuggling initiative.

Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, National Coordinator of the operation, said smuggling amounts to economic sabotage and worsens hardship for citizens.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s economy, secure critical national assets, and combat all forms of smuggling and economic sabotage,” he said, noting increased surveillance and intelligence-driven enforcement in known smuggling corridors.

According to Aliyu, the seized PMS was intended for illegal export to Cameroon.

“Acting on credible intelligence, our operatives recently dismantled a coordinated network involved in the illegal exportation of Premium Motor Spirit to neighboring Cameroon. During the operation, we intercepted 235 jerry-cans of 25 litres each and 40 drums of 200 litres each, totaling 14,375 litres,” he stated.

He added that the operation covered flashpoints such as Ikang, Bakassi, Ikom, and Ikot-Idareka.

Aliyu emphasized that petroleum smuggling is “not a victimless crime,” as it deprives government of revenue, disrupts domestic supply, and empowers criminal networks.

Explaining the auction process, he said: “In line with the law and principles of transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized 14,375 litres of PMS are being disposed of through this public auction to ensure the product returns to the legitimate domestic supply chain.”

He concluded with a stern warning: “Those still involved in the illegal smuggling of petroleum products should stop. The era of impunity is over.”

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