The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its crackdown on fuel smuggling in the North Central corridor, with the public auction of 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit intercepted along the Niger/Kwara axis.
Speaking during the exercise held on Wednesday in Ilorin, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, said the seizure was carried out following credible intelligence aimed at disrupting illegal petroleum distribution networks.
Aliyu disclosed that the operation led to the interception of 1,510 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres, amounting to a total volume of 43,750 litres, with an estimated duty-paid value of N43.75m.
He explained that the products were intercepted across multiple flashpoints, including Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu, and Salla-Gwanara—areas identified as active smuggling routes.
He stated, “The success of the operation highlights the commitment of security agencies to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and preventing the diversion of petroleum products meant for domestic consumption.
“Smuggling of petroleum products is a serious act of economic sabotage. It deprives the nation of revenue, disrupts supply chains, and leads to scarcity and high costs that place an unnecessary burden on law-abiding Nigerians.”
He added that “such illegal activities also embolden criminal networks and pose threats to national security,” stressing that Operation Whirlwind remains determined to dismantle such syndicates.
Aliyu commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for providing strategic direction and intelligence support, noting that the collaboration has strengthened enforcement efforts.
He also acknowledged the role of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for its technical support, as well as the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for backing the operation.
Issuing a stern warning to smugglers, Aliyu declared that “security agencies will no longer tolerate illegal dealings in petroleum products.
“The era of impunity is over. We will continue to identify, pursue, and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate,” he added.
He urged residents of border communities to support security agencies with timely and credible information, describing public cooperation as critical to winning the fight against smuggling.
Aliyu noted, “The public auction of the seized PMS reflects the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling confiscated products.”
Also speaking, the Acting Customs Area Controller for the Kwara Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi, praised the synergy between Operation Whirlwind and other security agencies, attributing recent successes to effective intelligence sharing and collaboration.
He called for sustained support from stakeholders and partner agencies, emphasising that joint efforts remain key to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring compliance with existing laws.
The Customs Service reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen surveillance and enforcement across border areas as part of ongoing measures to curb fuel smuggling and protect Nigeria’s strategic resources.
Recall that in February, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘D’ intercepted various contraband items, including a car, petroleum products, and live endangered animals.
The Comptroller of the unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed that the intercepted items included a Mercedes-Benz ML350 4Matic (2015 model) along the Abuja–Nasarawa axis, suspected to have been smuggled; 612 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (25 litres each), totalling 15,300 litres, seized in Mubi, Adamawa State; 33 cartons of foreign soap confiscated in Mubi for non-compliance with import regulations; and five live pangolins rescued in Taraba State.
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