Customs seize 43,750 litres of smuggled fuel in Kwara
By Muyideen Aliyu
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) suspected to have been earmarked for smuggling across border communities along the Kwara–Niger axis.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this while addressing stakeholders and overseeing the auction of the seized products at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin on Wednesday.
Aliyu said the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence aimed at curbing the illegal diversion of petroleum products. According to him, operatives intercepted 1,510 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres, with the total value of the seizure estimated at N43.75 million.
“This operation, executed with precision and diligence, underscores our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s strategic resources and ensuring they serve the collective interest of citizens,” he said.
He noted that the seizures were made across several flashpoints, including Kaima, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu, and Salla-Gwanara in Kwara State.
Aliyu described fuel smuggling as a major economic threat, warning that it deprives the country of revenue, disrupts supply chains, and contributes to artificial scarcity.
“Smuggling of petroleum products is a serious act of economic sabotage. It fuels scarcity, inflates prices, strengthens criminal networks, and weakens border security,” he stated.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Nuhu Ribadu, for intelligence support, as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for ensuring compliance.
Aliyu also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for strengthening enforcement operations through proactive leadership.
He warned smugglers to desist, stressing that security agencies remain committed to dismantling illicit networks.
“The era of impunity is over. Operation Whirlwind will continue to track and intercept smugglers wherever they operate,” he added.
Aliyu further urged residents of border communities to support enforcement efforts with timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation is key to tackling smuggling.
Earlier, the Acting Customs Area Controller for Kwara Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi, commended Operation Whirlwind and partner agencies for their collaboration.
“The success recorded reflects strong synergy, intelligence sharing, and cooperation among stakeholders,” Ogundeyi said, urging continued partnership to sustain the fight against illicit trade.