Customs seizes N43.7m PMS, warns against illegal smuggling

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Operation Whirlwind team in the Niger/Kwara axis, on Wednesday, said hat it intercepted 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.

Abubakar Aliyu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, gave the disclosure during a public auction exercise held at the command’s office in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Aliyu noted that the core mandate of Operation Whirlwind is to curb the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products.

“Our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, successfully intercepted another consignment of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the Kwara axis and its environs.

“This operation, executed with precision and diligence, resulted in the seizure of 1,510 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres each, yielding a total volume of 43,750 litres, with an estimated Duty Paid Value of Forty-Three Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N43,750,000)”, he said.

He added that the seizures were made at strategic flashpoints including Kaima, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara.

Aliyu said the interception underscored the Agency’s commitment to enforcing laws aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s strategic resources.

“These achievements reaffirm our resolve to combat smuggling and illicit trade, which threaten the social and economic well-being of the nation,” he said.

He described petroleum smuggling as a serious act of economic sabotage, noting that it deprives the country of critical revenue, distorts supply chains, and leads to scarcity and inflated prices.

“Beyond economic losses, it strengthens organised criminal networks, weakens border integrity and poses a threat to national security,” he added.

Aliyu warned individuals involved in illegal petroleum smuggling that the era of impunity is over.

“Operation Whirlwind remains resolute, proactive and intelligence-driven. We will continue to identify, pursue and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they exist,” he noted.

He also appealed to residents, especially those in border communities, to support security agencies with timely and credible information.

“The fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility, and public cooperation is vital to protecting the nation’s economic stability,” he said.

Earlier, Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, Customs Area Controller, Kwara State Command, commended the efforts of the operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to its statutory responsibilities.

He called for sustained collaboration among sister agencies to strengthen enforcement and boost the nation’s economy.