The Nigeria Customs Service has stepped up efforts against petrol smuggling, conducting a public auction of 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) confiscated from border communities along the Niger/Kwara corridor.
Speaking to stakeholders at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, said the exercise followed a directive from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Aliyu revealed that the fuel was intercepted through credible intelligence, resulting in the seizure of 1,510 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres, with an estimated value of N43.75 million.
“This operation, executed with precision and diligence, underscores our commitment to curbing the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products which threaten Nigeria’s economic stability.”
He explained that the seizures occurred at known smuggling hotspots including Kaima, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara, areas frequently linked to cross-border illegal trade.
Aliyu warned that petrol smuggling remains a significant economic threat, noting its impact on government revenue, supply chains, and fuel availability.
“Smuggling of petroleum products is a serious act of economic sabotage. It not only weakens our borders but also empowers criminal networks and imposes hardship on law-abiding Nigerians through inflated fuel prices,” he said.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser led by Nuhu Ribadu for intelligence support, as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for ensuring compliance.
Aliyu also acknowledged the leadership of the Customs Service, stating that support from the Comptroller-General and his management team has enhanced the effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind.
Issuing a warning to smugglers, he stressed that authorities would continue to clamp down on illegal activities.
“The era of impunity is over. We will continue to identify, pursue and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate,” he stated.
He further urged residents of border communities to assist security agencies with timely and reliable information.
Also speaking, the Acting Customs Area Controller for Kwara Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi, praised Operation Whirlwind and partner agencies for their coordination and professionalism.
“The success recorded is a reflection of strong collaboration and intelligence sharing among security agencies. We urge stakeholders to sustain this cooperation in the national interest,” Ogundeyi said.
The Customs Service noted that the auction forms part of measures to ensure transparency in handling seized petroleum products and to reinforce the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding national resources.