...Announces Public Auction
The Nigeria Customs Service, through Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 15,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N15.375 million, across several flashpoints in Kwara State as part of intensified efforts to combat petroleum smuggling and diversion.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Mahmood Bello Ishidi, disclosed this on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during a public auction exercise held at the Kwara Area Command headquarters in Ilorin.
Addressing the press, Ishidi said the petroleum products were intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind, Niger/Kwara Axis, following intelligence-led operations across strategic locations in the state.
He identified the locations as Kaima, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara.
According to him, the seizures comprised 615 jerrycans of PMS, each with a capacity of 25 litres, bringing the total volume to 15,375 litres, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N15,375,000.
Addressing participants at the event, the coordinator said the operation was carried out in line with the mandate of Operation Whirlwind to curb the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products.
He described petroleum smuggling as economic sabotage, warning that the illegal trade deprives the country of critical revenue, distorts the petroleum supply chain, encourages scarcity and inflated prices, and strengthens criminal networks.
He added that the activities also undermine border security and pose broader threats to national security.
The newly appointed coordinator reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the operations through improved coordination, intelligence-led interventions, effective supervision and a result-driven operational framework.
Ishidi also called on residents, particularly those in border communities, to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in identifying and disrupting smuggling activities.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their support, while acknowledging the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to the operation.
He equally praised officers and men of Operation Whirlwind in the Niger/Kwara Axis for their professionalism, resilience and commitment to duty.
On the public auction, he said the exercise reflected the Federal Government's commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of seized petroleum products, urging participants and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the established auction guidelines.
In his welcome address, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Kwara Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, appreciated sister security agencies and members of the press for their continued support and cooperation.
Ogundeyi expressed optimism about sustaining the existing cordial relationship among the agencies and the media, stressing the importance of continued collaboration in achieving their respective mandates.
He also welcomed participants to the auction exercise and looked forward to stronger institutional partnerships in the discharge of their responsibilities.
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