Officials of Operation Whirlwind, under the Nigeria Customs Service Zone A, have shut down a petrol station in the Ajilete area of Ogun State for allegedly smuggling petroleum products to Benin Republic.
During a weeklong operation around Ajilete and Imeko in Ogun, customs operatives intercepted petrol worth N30.3 million being smuggled. Two vehicles used in the smuggling activities were also seized.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Kehinde Ejibunu, revealed that investigations showed the petrol station staff were filling plastic kegs with petrol for illegal transportation to Benin. He said the petrol station has been handed over to the appropriate government agency for prosecution.
“Today marks yet another success recorded by Operation Whirlwind Zone A Lagos/Ogun axis under the Command of Assistant Comptroller MI Bello,” Ejibunu stated. “This operation has yielded positive results in ensuring the availability of fuel in the various filling stations across the country.”
Ejibunu also emphasized the customs’ commitment to blocking all smuggling routes for petrol and ensuring fuel remains available for Nigerians. “We will continue to ensure that all illegal routes of smuggling of PMS leading to our neighbouring countries are blocked by this operation,” he added.
