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By Victor Babayemi
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Nigerian Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, has announced the public auction of 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted along the Niger/Kwara axis, as part of ongoing efforts to curb petroleum smuggling.
Speaking at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin on Wednesday, the Coordinator said the exercise was carried out on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He disclosed that the seizure was based on credible intelligence and executed with precision by operatives of Operation Whirlwind.
According to him, “a total of 1,510 jerry-cans of 25 litres and 30 drums of 200 litres were intercepted, amounting to 43,750 litres of PMS, with an estimated value of ₦43.75 million.”
Comptroller Aliyu explained that the interceptions were made across several flashpoints, including Kaima, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu, and Salla-Gwanara.
He described petroleum smuggling as “a serious act of economic sabotage that distorts supply, causes scarcity, and inflates costs for Nigerians.”
The Coordinator added that such illegal activities also strengthen criminal networks and threaten national security.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser under Nuhu Ribadu for strategic support, as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its technical collaboration.
The Customs leadership and officers of Operation Whirlwind were also praised for their professionalism and commitment.
Issuing a stern warning, he stated that “the era of impunity has come to an end,” stressing that the operation remains intelligence-driven and determined to dismantle smuggling networks.
He further urged residents of border communities to support security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that the fight against smuggling requires collective effort.
The Coordinator emphasized that the auction reflects the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling seized petroleum products.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to protect Nigeria’s resources, assuring that Operation Whirlwind will continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement.
