The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 15,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N15.375 million, in a series of intelligence-led operations across border communities in the Kwara-Niger axis.
Mahmood Bello Ishidi, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press briefing on the public auction of the seized petroleum products at the command’s office in Ilorin Kwara State.
The seized products, comprising 615 jerrycans of 25 litres each, were intercepted at strategic locations across the Kwara-Niger axis as part of sustained efforts to curb the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products.
Ishidi, who addressed stakeholders on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations targeting identified smuggling flashpoints.
He listed the locations of the interceptions to include Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara.
According to him, the latest achievement underscores the Customs Service’s determination to prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products and protect the nation’s economic interests.
Describing petroleum smuggling as economic sabotage, the National Coordinator warned that the illegal trade undermines government revenue, disrupts domestic supply chains and contributes to artificial scarcity and rising petroleum prices.
“The intercepted products had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N15,375,000. Beyond depriving the nation of critical revenue, it distorts the supply chain, leading to scarcity and inflated costs that unfairly burden honest Nigerians,” he said.
Ishidi added that the illicit trade also strengthens organised criminal networks, weakens border security and poses broader threats to national security.
He described the public auction as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the handling of seized petroleum products, noting that the exercise reflected the government’s commitment to the prudent management of recovered national resources.
The National Coordinator also outlined his leadership priorities, pledging to strengthen intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, operational supervision and enforcement strategies to consolidate the gains of Operation Whirlwind.
“As the newly appointed National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to providing purposeful and strategic leadership, enhancing operational effectiveness, and consolidating on the gains and achievements already recorded by the operation,” he declared.
He explained that the renewed strategy would prioritise improved coordination, intelligence-led interventions and a result-driven operational framework to enhance the effectiveness of the operation across its areas of responsibility.
Ishidi praised the Acting Controller of the Kwara Area Command and officers of Operation Whirlwind in the Kwara-Niger axis for their professionalism, diligence and commitment, which he said had contributed to the successes recorded.
The Customs chief urged residents of border communities to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information on suspicious movements and activities.
“The fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility, and your support remains indispensable in protecting the nation’s economic stability,” he appealed.
He assured Nigerians that Operation Whirlwind would intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations across its operational fronts to frustrate petroleum smugglers and safeguard the country’s economic interests.
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