The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through Operation Whirlwind, has commenced the public auction of 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted across the Niger/Kwara axis.
The auction was held at the NCS Kwara Area Command in Ilorin.
National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abubakar Aliyu, said the exercise was conducted on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
He said the fuel was intercepted following credible intelligence, reaffirming efforts to curb smuggling in border communities.
Aliyu disclosed that the seizures were made at flashpoints including Kaima, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara.
According to him, 1,510 jerry cans of 25 litres and 30 drums of 200 litres were confiscated, totalling 43,750 litres valued at N43.75 million.
He described fuel smuggling as economic sabotage that disrupts supply, fuels scarcity and inflates prices.
Aliyu warned that such illegal activities also strengthen criminal networks and undermine national security.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for their support.
He urged border communities to provide credible information, stressing that the operation will sustain efforts to dismantle smuggling networks and ensure transparency.
Ali Muhammad Rabi’u
