Customs Auction Smuggled Fuel Seized in Kwara

The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its crackdown on petroleum smuggling with a large seizure of 1,510 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the Niger–Kwara axis. The seized products (25 liters each), totalling 43,750 litres and additional 30 drums of 200 litres were auctioned on Wednesday at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin under […]

The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its crackdown on petroleum smuggling with a large seizure of 1,510 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the Niger–Kwara axis.

The seized products (25 liters each), totalling 43,750 litres and additional 30 drums of 200 litres were auctioned on Wednesday at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin under the supervision of Operation Whirlwind.

National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abubakar Aliyu, said the interception was part of a larger consignment and followed credible intelligence.

He said the development led operatives to multiple smuggling flashpoints within the axis.

“This public auction is conducted on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability,” he said.

Aliyu explained that the seizure has a total estimated duty paid value of N43.75 million.

He said the operation covered several strategic locations including Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara.

According to him, the successful interception underscores the agency’s determination to safeguard Nigeria’s economic resources and dismantle smuggling networks.

“Smuggling of petroleum products is a serious act of economic sabotage. It deprives the nation of critical revenue, distorts supply, and leads to scarcity and inflated costs,” he said.

He added that such illegal activities also empower organised criminal networks and threaten national security.

Aliyu acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noting that strategic intelligence and policy backing have strengthened enforcement efforts.

He also commended the partnership with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, describing it as vital to ensuring regulatory compliance in operations.

The Customs official praised the Comptroller-General and his management team for their leadership, as well as officers of Operation Whirlwind for their professionalism and vigilance.

“Let this serve as a clear warning to all those involved in petroleum smuggling. The era of impunity has come to an end.

“Operation Whirlwind will continue to identify, pursue and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they exist”, he said

He urged residents, particularly those in border communities, to support security agencies with timely and credible information.

“The fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility. Public cooperation remains crucial to protecting our economy,” he said.

Aliyu added that the public auction reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling seized products.

The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen surveillance, improve intelligence gathering and intensify enforcement operations to curb petroleum smuggling nationwide.