From Abdul Salaudeen Ilorin
Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intensified its crackdown on petroleum smuggling, just as it conducted a public auction of 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit intercepted along the Niger/Kwara axis.
Addressing stakeholders at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin yesterday, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu said the seizure was carried out, following credible intelligence aimed at curbing diversion of fuel across border communities.
Aliyu explained that operatives of the special task force intercepted 1,510 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres, with a total estimated value of N43.75 million.
“This operation, executed with precision and diligence, underscores our commitment to safeguard Nigeria’s strategic resources and ensure that they serve the collective interest of all citizens,” he said.
Abubakar disclosed that the seizures were made across multiple flashpoints, including Kaima, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara areas of the state.
The customs boss described fuel smuggling as a major economic threat, noting that it deprives the country of revenue, disrupts supply chains and fuels artificial scarcity.
“Smuggling of petroleum products is a serious act of economic sabotage. It not only leads to scarcity and inflated prices, but also strengthens criminal networks and weakens border security,” Aliyu stated.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser for providing intelligence support, as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for ensuring regulatory compliance.
Aliyu also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi for what he described as “forward-thinking leadership” that has strengthened enforcement operations nationwide.
He warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, stressing that security agencies would continue to track and dismantle criminal networks.
“The era of impunity is over. Operation Whirlwind remains proactive and intelligence-driven. We will continue to identify, pursue and intercept smugglers wherever they operate,” he said.
Aliyu called on residents of border communities to support security agencies with timely and credible information, describing public cooperation as critical to winning the fight against smuggling.
Speaking at the event, Acting Customs Area Controller for Kwara Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi commended Operation Whirlwind and partner agencies for their collaboration and professionalism.
“The success recorded is a reflection of strong synergy, intelligence sharing and cooperation among all stakeholders,” Ogundeyi said.