The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its crackdown on petroleum smuggling with a large seizure of 1,510 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit across the Niger-Kwara axis, totalling 43,750 litres, alongside an additional 30 drums of 200 litres each. The seized products were auctioned on Wednesday at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin under the supervision of Operation Whirlwind, the service’s specialised anti-smuggling unit.
National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abubakar Aliyu, said the interception was part of a larger consignment and followed credible intelligence that led operatives to multiple smuggling flashpoints within the axis. The operation covered several strategic locations including Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara. He explained that the seizure has a total estimated duty paid value of N43.75 million.
Aliyu described the smuggling of petroleum products as a serious act of economic sabotage that deprives the nation of critical revenue, distorts supply, and leads to scarcity and inflated costs. He added that such illegal activities also empower organised criminal networks and threaten national security. He acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noting that strategic intelligence and policy backing have strengthened enforcement efforts.
The Customs official praised the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their leadership, as well as officers of Operation Whirlwind for their professionalism and vigilance. He issued a clear warning to those involved in petroleum smuggling that the era of impunity has come to an end, stating that Operation Whirlwind will continue to identify, pursue and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they exist. He urged residents, particularly those in border communities, to support security agencies with timely and credible information, emphasising that the fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility.
