The Nigeria Customs Service has sealed a fuel station in Lagos State over alleged involvement in smuggling petroleum products across the Nigeria-Benin Republic border. The facility, Adeola Ade PLC, located along the Owode-Apa axis of Badagry, was shut down in October following intelligence reports and investigations.
According to Kola Oladeji, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind and Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, preliminary findings revealed multiple infractions that contravened Nigeria’s petroleum retail and distribution regulations. Oladeji confirmed that the facility was sealed on October 4, 2025, after confirming irregularities inconsistent with lawful petroleum trade practices.
The operation was carried out professionally and transparently, in line with the Service’s mandate to sanitize the downstream oil sector. Oladeji emphasized that the enforcement drive is part of a broader inter-agency collaboration to combat fuel smuggling and safeguard national economic interests. The Nigeria Customs Service is working closely with other agencies to ensure compliance with national regulations and protect consumers.
The sealed facility has been handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for further investigation and possible sanctions. Oladeji warned operators in the petroleum sector against non-compliance with national regulations, stressing that the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies will sustain their coordinated crackdown on illegal fuel trading.
The move is aimed at ridding the downstream sector of sharp practices and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to due process, accountability, and sectoral integrity. The enforcement drive is expected to continue, with a focus on strengthening oversight and ensuring that offenders face appropriate sanctions.
The smuggling of petroleum products is a significant challenge for Nigeria, with the country losing billions of dollars in revenue each year. The Nigeria Customs Service has been working to combat the menace, with Operation Whirlwind being a key part of the efforts. The operation has been successful in seizing large quantities of smuggled petroleum products and arresting suspects.
The sealing of the fuel station in Badagry is a significant development in the fight against fuel smuggling in Nigeria. It demonstrates the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to enforcing national regulations and protecting the country’s economic interests. The move is also expected to serve as a deterrent to other operators in the petroleum sector who may be involved in illegal activities.