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By Victor Babayemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 15,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N15.3 million, along the Niger-Kwara border corridor.
The seizure was recorded during intelligence-led operations targeting the illegal movement and diversion of petroleum products across border communities in Kwara State.
National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Mahmood Ishidi, disclosed this during a public auction of the seized products at the Kwara Area Command headquarters in Ilorin.
Ishidi, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the seized products comprised 615 jerrycans of 25 litres each, intercepted in Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara.
He described petroleum smuggling as economic sabotage, noting that the illegal activity undermines government revenue, disrupts domestic supply chains, and contributes to artificial scarcity and rising prices of petroleum products.
The National Coordinator assured that the Service would strengthen intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and operational strategies to sustain the achievements of Operation Whirlwind.
He explained that the public auction was organised to promote transparency and accountability in the management of seized petroleum products.
Ishidi commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for their support in the fight against petroleum smuggling.
He also praised the Acting Controller of the Kwara Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, and officers of Operation Whirlwind for their commitment and professionalism, while urging residents of border communities to provide credible and timely information on suspicious activities.
In his remarks, the Acting Controller of the Kwara Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling smuggling and other economic crimes.
Ogundeyi commended the media and sister security agencies for their contributions to the anti-smuggling campaign and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders to enhance border security and combat smuggling.
Editing: Abdullah Ahmed
