The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 15,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N15,375,000, along the Niger-Kwara border corridor.
The seizure was made during intelligence-led operations targeting the illegal movement and diversion of petroleum products across border communities in Kwara State.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Mahmood Ishidi, stated this during a public auction of the seized petroleum products at the Kwara Area Command headquarters in Ilorin.
Ishidi, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the intercepted products comprised 615 jerrycans of 25 litres each, recovered from locations including Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara.
He described petroleum smuggling as “economic sabotage”, warning that the illegal practice undermines government revenue, disrupts domestic supply chains and contributes to artificial scarcity and rising petroleum prices.
The National Coordinator said the Service would strengthen intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and operational strategies to sustain the achievements of Operation Whirlwind.
He explained that the public auction was designed to promote transparency and accountability in the management of seized petroleum products.
Ishidi commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for their support in tackling petroleum smuggling.
He also praised the Acting Controller of the Kwara Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, and Operation Whirlwind personnel for their professionalism and commitment.
He urged residents of border communities to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities.
In his remarks, Deputy Comptroller Ogundeyi emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating smuggling and other economic crimes, commending the media and sister security agencies for their contributions.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening stakeholder partnerships to enhance border security and curb smuggling.
RN
