Customs auctions over 1,500 jerrycans of smuggled fuel in Kwara

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

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

The seized products, contained in 25-litre jerrycans and totalling 43,750 litres, along with an additional 30 drums of 200 litres each, were auctioned on Wednesday at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin under the supervision of Operation Whirlwind.

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

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 said the seized items have an estimated duty-paid value of N43.75 million.

He added that 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 pose a threat to 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 critical to ensuring regulatory compliance.

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 those involved in petroleum smuggling—the era of impunity is over.

“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 in the disposal of seized products.