NO ESCAPE ROUTE FOR PETROL SMUGGLERS; AS ACG OLADEJI CRACKS DOWN ON PETROL STATIONS INVOLVED IN DIVERSION, HANDS OVER SEALED STATION TO NMDPRA
The Operation Whirlwind- an anti-smuggling force against petroleum products smuggling and diversion says it will not cajoled by economic saboteurs in the onerous task of protecting the nation’s energy infrastructure.
National Co-ordinator of the Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) IK Oladeji stated this today while handling over a sealed petroleum station at the border corridor in Owode Apa, Badagry, Lagos to the federal government petroleum regulatory agency.
He said that the owners of the Adeola petrol station were engaged in infractions, leading to the interception of 140 kegs of 25 litres each with means of conveyance, while the owner was subsequently arrested but later released on administrative bail.
The station was first sealed by the Commander of the Operation Whirlwind in the Lagos/ Ogun zone, Assistant Comptroller Abubakar Zaki-a no- nonsense officer.
“This facility was sealed by operatives of Operation Whirlwind on the 4th of October, 2025, following credible intelligence and a thorough investigation which revealed infractions inconsistent with the standards and regulations governing petroleum retail operations in Nigeria. Our operatives, acting within the ambit of the law and guided by our mandate to sanitize the downstream
sector, executed the sealing in a professional and transparent manner.”
Operation Whirlwind remains resolute its mission to rid the Sector of Start Practices, protect consumers, and uphold the integrity Our energy infrastructure. However, we recognize that enforcement is a shared responsibility. As such, we now hand over this facility to the regulatory action and sanction. NMDPRA, the statutory body empowered to investigate, sanction, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
“We trust that the Authority will carry out its mandate with fairness, diligence, and in accordance with due process. Let this handover serve as a clear message to all operators in the sector: non-compliance will not be tolerated, and collaboration among agencies will continue to strengthen enforcement.”
According to him, It is pertinent to note, the critical roles played by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in strategic intelligence guidance, and overarching policy support under the leadership of
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (mni) for his strong commitment to addressing security challenges in Nigeria, the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Bashir MFR, PhD, FNIPR, DSM, Psc(+), and his entire management tcam for their unwavering support for this operation, we remain hopeful for continued collaboration and sustained commitment to its success.
He equally commended the NMDPRA, whose technical expertise and regulatory framework have ensured that our actions align with best practices while addressing the systemic challenges within the petroleum supply chain, also the dedicated personnel of Operation Whirlwind and patriotic Nigerians who continue to stand with them in the pursuit of a resolute mission to dismantle smuggling networks and bring economic saboteurs to justice.
While taking over the petrol station, a representative of the NMDPRA, Mrs Ivy Agbonselogato said her agency will do due diligence in addressing the issue of the noticeable diversion of petroleum products by the owners of the station.
According to her, the agency will invite the owners with a view to penalizing where necessary. Part of the penalties is that the owners will be made to pay N750 penalty per litre of petrol smuggled.
She commended the Customs service for their quality collaboration.