The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, has revealed plans to auction 15,325 litres of seized petrol to the public. This move aims to reduce transportation challenges during the festive season.
Speaking to journalists in Ikeja, Ejibunu shared that operatives recently confiscated 613 jerrycans of petrol in the Lagos-Ogun axis. The seized fuel, valued at N27.5 million, was a significant highlight of their recent operations. The announcement was also shared on the service’s official Facebook page.
Ejibunu noted that the operation, which began on May 27, 2024, has been highly successful. He emphasized that the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has encouraged operatives to maintain their momentum until the activities of economic saboteurs are completely eradicated in the country.
He also revealed that, following the CGC’s directive to auction the seized petrol, the office of the legal adviser has completed all necessary legal processes, including obtaining a court condemnation order.
“On this note, the CGC has directed for auctions of the seized product to members of the public at the rate of N10,000 per 25 litres. This will ease the transportation hardship during this festive period,” he concluded.
Customs Sells Petrol in Seized Tanker at N630/litre in Ibadan
The Nigeria Customs Service recently auctioned about 20,000 litres of seized petrol at ₦630 per litre to the public in Ibadan, Oyo State. The sale took place last Saturday at Afoo Filling Station in the Masfala area, following the interception of the fuel by Operation Whirlwind operatives in the Oyo/Osun axis.
Flagging off the auction, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, explained that the seized fuel included a tanker and 30 additional kegs, each containing 25 litres of petrol. The total volume of intercepted petrol, valued at ₦42.75 million in duty-paid terms, was confiscated while being smuggled out of the country.
Ejibunu disclosed that the decision to sell the petrol came after the items remained unclaimed. The sale was approved through a court condemnation order obtained by the office of the legal adviser. He added that the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashiru Adeniyi, directed the auction to provide the public with access to fuel, especially during the festive period.
Comptroller Ejibunu added: “Government at every level ensures that citizens receive what they are entitled to, as and when due. It is part of government policy to ensure that seized goods are auctioned to Nigerians for their use.” Comptroller Ejibunu urged smugglers to abandon their illegal activities, warning that anyone caught would face prosecution.
Reflecting on a similar operation, he mentioned that about two months ago, seized petrol was sold to the public in Yola, Adamawa State, at the same rate. During that sale, 25-litre kegs of petrol were auctioned for ₦10,000 each. He also confirmed that the prosecution of the suspect linked to the seized fuel had already begun.
Ejibunu appealed to Nigerians to support the Customs Service by sharing valuable information about the activities of economic saboteurs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in curbing smuggling. In his remarks, the Area Controller for Oyo/Osun Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, stated: “We are committed to fulfilling the mandate of the Comptroller General to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum.”
“The Oyo/Osun Area Command is partnering with the Commander of Operation Whirlwind as part of our efforts to ensure Nigeria’s safety, strengthen the economy, and discourage smuggling.”
Alhaji Afolabi Olatunji, the Managing Director of the filling station, praised the smooth and well-organized execution of the sale. He noted that the process was carried out without any chaos or crowd surges, ensuring an orderly distribution of the fuel.
