The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, has intercepted 35,725 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other contraband items valued at over ₦109.5 million as part of intensified efforts to curb smuggling across the state’s borders.
The Area Controller, Comptroller Mahmoud Ibrahim, disclosed this on Wednesday during his first press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.
Ibrahim explained that the seizures were made through joint operations with Operation Whirlwind, a special task force of the Service. “Operation Whirlwind intercepted 14,750 litres of PMS worth ₦8.85 million, while officers of the Kebbi Command seized an additional 20,975 litres valued at ₦12.58 million at flashpoints including Bagudo, Tsamiya, Kamba, Lolo, Bunza, and Zuru/Mahakala,” he said.
He stressed that the operations reflect Customs’ commitment to protecting the nation’s resources and economy from sabotage. “Fuel smuggling deprives the nation of vital revenue and poses serious safety risks,” Ibrahim noted.
The comptroller commended field officers, the Customs Intelligence Unit, and partner security agencies for their resilience and professionalism, adding that the seized fuel would be auctioned according to the law, with proceeds remitted to the federal treasury.
The Command generated ₦25.6 million in revenue in September, a 36.13% increase from August. Ibrahim attributed the rise to improved stakeholder engagement, enhanced border management, and strengthened cooperation with Niger Republic via the Kamba border.
Other items seized include 100 bales of second-hand clothing, 444 laptop-sized wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 143 mini sacks of donkey meat, 140 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 100 bags of parboiled rice, and 20 jerrycans of vegetable oil. The total value of the confiscated goods is ₦109,595,761.
As part of inter-agency collaboration, Customs will hand over the donkey meat to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and the cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Ibrahim, who assumed office in September, pledged continued collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders to curb cross-border crimes, strengthen intelligence sharing, and promote legitimate trade. “Kebbi Command remains committed to addressing challenges and safeguarding the national economy through innovation and dedication,” he assured.
Earlier, the NCS Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, announced 125 interceptions of contraband worth ₦1.8 billion across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states within six weeks.