By: AbdulHafeez Oyewole
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday conducted a public auction of 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) seized from suspected smugglers along the Niger/Kwara axis, reaffirming its commitment to tackling the illegal diversion of petroleum products.
Speaking at the exercise held at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abubakar Aliyu, said the seizure was carried out following credible intelligence and a coordinated enforcement operation.
Aliyu disclosed that the intercepted products comprised 1,510 jerry-cans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres, with a total estimated duty-paid value of ₦43.75 million. He noted that the seizures were made across several strategic flashpoints, including Kaima, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara.
According to him, the operation highlights the agency’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s strategic resources and enforce laws regulating petroleum distribution.
“Smuggling of petroleum products is a serious act of economic sabotage. It deprives the nation of critical revenue, distorts supply chains, and contributes to scarcity and inflated fuel prices that burden law-abiding citizens,” he said.
He added that such illegal activities also strengthen criminal networks and undermine national security, stressing that Operation Whirlwind remains proactive and intelligence-driven in identifying and dismantling smuggling networks.
Aliyu commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for providing strategic support, as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its regulatory guidance. He also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their leadership and support.
The Customs officer further called on residents, especially those in border communities, to support security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that the fight against smuggling requires collective effort.
He emphasized that the public auction reflects the Service’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the handling of seized petroleum products, urging all participants to adhere strictly to laid-down guidelines.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Area Controller of the Kwara Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, expressed appreciation to sister agencies, stakeholders and members of the press for their continued cooperation and support.
Ogundeyi commended Operation Whirlwind for its dedication and operational successes, attributing the achievements to effective intelligence sharing and strong collaboration between Customs personnel and partner agencies.
He called for sustained synergy among security agencies and stakeholders, stressing that national interest must remain the collective priority.
The auction exercise, he said, further demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to protect Nigeria’s petroleum resources and ensure they are used for the benefit of all citizens.
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