Motorists in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, were in jubilation as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) sold 14,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from an intercepted tanker at N600 per litre to residents.

The sale took place at Afoo Multi Ventures Limited’s fuel station in the Muslim area of Ibadan, under the supervision of the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Kola Oladeji.

The discounted sale was part of a public auction of the intercepted petroleum product suspected to be smuggled or diverted.

Tribune Online gathered that the fuel was seized by Customs’ Operation Whirlwind team operatives along the Igbeti/Ogbomoso axis following a credible intelligence tip-off.

Addressing journalists at the filling station where the auction sale was carried out, ACG Oladeji stated that the operation was executed with precision and diligence, leading to the confiscation of a tanker truck with registration number DGB 722 XR.

He estimated the duty-paid value of the seized fuel to be N14 million.

“This operation is not just about seizing a tanker or the quantity of fuel; it is about safeguarding our economy, ensuring accountability in the downstream sector, and protecting the rights of ordinary Nigerians who continue to suffer the effects of fuel scarcity, hoarding, and price manipulation,” he said.

He added that under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Operation Whirlwind remains committed to dismantling networks involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products.

ACG Oladeji also appreciated the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for its strategic intelligence support.

Residents who benefited from the auction expressed mixed feelings. While many were thankful for the opportunity to purchase fuel at a lower price, compared to the usual N850–N900 per litre, some said that they would not lower their transport fares despite the reduced cost.

One of the beneficiaries, Daniel Paul, a commercial motorcyclist, expressed joy but made it clear that the savings would be for his personal gain. “When fuel prices skyrocketed, we didn’t increase transport fares. Now that I bought at a cheaper price, it’s my turn to gain,” he told reporters.

Another motorist, Mr Sumaila Ariyo, a tricycle operator, lauded the initiative and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigeria Customs Service for bringing some relief to the masses.

“Before now, we used to buy fuel at N870 to N875. This N600 price is a big help,” he said.

The manager of the petrol station, who identified himself as Mr Sunkanmi, confirmed that fuel was initially being sold at N900 per litre earlier in the day before the arrival of Customs officers, who adjusted the price to N600 for the auction. (TRIBUNE)