Customs Seizes ₦80.4 Million Worth of Smuggled Fuel Bound for Benin Republic

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted petroleum products worth ₦80.4 million being smuggled across the border into the Republic of Benin. The interception, made by officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, underscores the Service’s intensified efforts to combat cross-border fuel smuggling and protect Nigeria’s economic interests amid ongoing reforms in the downstream petroleum sector.

According to Customs officials, the operation followed credible intelligence reports on the movement of large volumes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from border communities in Ogun and Oyo States toward illegal export routes. The smuggled fuel, concealed in large containers and jerry cans, was intercepted by patrol teams stationed along the Owode, Ilaro, and Idiroko axes, which are known hot spots for petroleum diversion.

The Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone A, Hussein Ejibunu, said the seizure was made possible through enhanced intelligence sharing and sustained patrol surveillance. He disclosed that the smuggled products—estimated at 25,000 litres—were meant for illegal export to neighbouring Benin Republic where fuel prices are significantly higher than in Nigeria. He emphasized that the Service remains resolute in curbing the diversion of subsidized fuel and other economic crimes that undermine the nation’s revenue base.

Ejibunu noted that the smugglers adopted new concealment methods to evade detection, transporting the products at night through bush paths and waterways. However, officers’ vigilance and use of modern tracking techniques helped foil the attempt. “We have heightened border patrols and deployed intelligence-driven operations to frustrate these economic saboteurs,” he stated, warning that anyone caught engaging in fuel smuggling would face severe penalties under Customs laws.

The interception comes amid renewed efforts by the federal government to tackle fuel diversion and cross-border smuggling, which have continued to cause artificial scarcity in border communities. Despite fuel subsidy removal in 2023, the price disparity between Nigeria and its neighbours remains a strong incentive for smugglers. While a litre of petrol sells for about ₦650 in Nigeria, it is sold for the equivalent of over ₦1,200 in Benin Republic, making illegal export highly profitable.

The Customs Service has therefore intensified collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), security agencies, and local border communities to monitor fuel movement and distribution. Officials say improved inter-agency cooperation has led to more frequent seizures of illegally diverted petroleum products, as smugglers increasingly target routes in Ogun, Katsina, and Sokoto States.

In addition to the ₦80.4 million fuel seizure, the FOU Zone A also recorded several arrests involving suspected smugglers, vehicles used for illegal transportation, and other contraband including foreign rice, used clothing, and frozen poultry. Ejibunu revealed that all suspects are currently under investigation, and the confiscated products have been moved to the Service’s warehouse pending further administrative actions.

He reiterated that Customs’ anti-smuggling operations are part of broader national economic security measures aimed at stabilizing local supply and protecting government revenue. “Our job goes beyond collecting duties; it includes safeguarding the economy from activities that threaten legitimate trade and fiscal stability,” Ejibunu said.

The Customs Service has been working to strengthen its operational efficiency through the Nigeria Customs Modernization Project, which introduces digital monitoring systems, automated checkpoints, and real-time reporting for border activities. Officials believe that once fully implemented, these reforms will significantly curb the smuggling of fuel and other strategic commodities.

Stakeholders have commended the Service for its proactive stance, noting that curbing petroleum smuggling will help reduce economic leakage and ensure that fuel intended for domestic use reaches Nigerian consumers. Analysts also pointed out that unchecked smuggling has contributed to Nigeria’s revenue shortfalls, as well as losses faced by legitimate fuel marketers.

In recent months, the NCS has reported multiple high-profile fuel seizures, reflecting a growing trend of illegal petroleum movement toward neighbouring countries. Between January and September 2025 alone, Customs said it intercepted over ₦3 billion worth of smuggled PMS through coordinated efforts across its border formations. The Service maintains that continued vigilance and intelligence-led operations remain critical to stopping such illicit trade.

Ejibunu called for stronger community engagement, urging border residents to resist the lure of quick profit from smuggling activities. He added that Customs is willing to work closely with traditional rulers, transport unions, and youth associations to sensitize locals on the dangers of aiding fuel smugglers.

“Our message is clear: anyone involved in sabotaging Nigeria’s economy through smuggling will be brought to justice. We will continue to protect the country’s resources and ensure that legitimate businesses thrive,” he declared.

The ₦80.4 million fuel interception marks another major achievement in Customs’ campaign against economic sabotage. As the Service continues to tighten its grip on illegal border activities, it aims to strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience and ensure that national resources serve the people for whom they are intended.