From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Nigeria Customs Service, has reaffirmed its intensified war against petroleum smuggling as the Niger/Kwara axis of Operation Whirlwind, announced the interception and public auction of 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), seized across strategic border flashpoints in Kwara State.
Speaking at the public auction held on Wednesday at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abubakar Aliyu, said the exercise was carried out on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He explained that the seizure reflected the Service’s renewed push to protect Nigeria’s petroleum resources from diversion and illegal cross-border trade.
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“This operation, executed with precision and intelligence support, led to the interception of 1,510 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres each, amounting to 43,750 litres of PMS,” Aliyu stated.
According to him, the duty paid value of the intercepted products was estimated at N43.75 million, adding that the seizures were recorded across several flashpoints including Kaiama axis, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru in Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara.
He stressed that the smuggling of petroleum products remains a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
“Petroleum smuggling is economic sabotage. It drains national revenue, distorts supply, fuels scarcity and strengthens criminal networks operating across our borders,” he warned.
Aliyu noted that the success of the operation was made possible through coordinated intelligence sharing and collaboration with security stakeholders, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whom he praised for providing strategic direction in tackling cross-border crimes.
He also acknowledged the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, saying its technical guidance has helped ensure that enforcement actions remain aligned with regulatory standards governing the petroleum sector.
“We must commend the Office of the National Security Adviser, for its strategic intelligence coordination, as well as NMDPRA for its regulatory support which has strengthened our operations,” he said.
Aliyu further applauded the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, describing his direction as central to the operational success recorded by Operation Whirlwind.
“The leadership of the Comptroller-General has been forward-thinking and result-oriented. His support has positioned Operation Whirlwind to achieve measurable impact,” he said.
Reiterating the commitment of the enforcement team, he issued a strong warning to smugglers operating within border communities, insisting that the era of unchecked illegal petroleum trade was over.
“The era of impunity has come to an end. We will continue to identify, intercept and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate,” Aliyu declared.
He added that the auction process demonstrated the Service’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the handling of seized petroleum products.
“All stakeholders are expected to comply with established procedures. This exercise reflects our commitment to openness and due process,” he noted.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kwara Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi, also commended the operation, describing it as a product of strong inter-agency synergy and intelligence sharing.
“I commend our sister agencies, stakeholders and the press for their continued support. The success recorded by Operation Whirlwind over time reflects discipline, professionalism and collaboration,” Ogundeyi said.
He urged security agencies and stakeholders to sustain cooperation in order to further strengthen the fight against smuggling.
“I call on all sister agencies and relevant stakeholders to continue supporting the Service with synergy, intelligence sharing and collaboration in the interest of national development,” he added.
The Customs authorities reiterated that operations under Operation Whirlwind will continue to intensify surveillance, strengthen intelligence gathering, and expand enforcement across Nigeria’s border corridors, particularly in the Niger and Kwara operational axis.
Officials maintained that the ongoing crackdown is aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s petroleum resources, stabilising domestic supply, and curbing the activities of economic saboteurs operating through illicit cross-border networks.
