By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its special enforcement unit, Operation Whirlwind, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, held a public auction of 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted along the Niger/Kwara axis, as part of ongoing efforts to curb fuel smuggling and the diversion of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.
The auction exercise, which took place at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin, was attended by senior Customs officials, representatives of the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), security partners, and members of the press.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind , DC Lucky Aliyu explained that the interception was made possible through credible intelligence and sustained surveillance operations across strategic locations in the North Central region.
Aliyu noted that operatives of the unit successfully intercepted multiple consignments of illegally diverted petroleum products within the Kwara axis and surrounding communities. The seizures included 1,510 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres each of PMS, bringing the total volume to 43,750 litres, with an estimated Duty Paid Value of ₦43.75 million.
According to him, the intercepted products were recovered from several flashpoints, including Kaiama axis, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu, and Salla-Gwanara areas of Kwara State.
He described petroleum smuggling as a serious act of economic sabotage, warning that it not only deprives the country of critical revenue but also distorts supply chains, fuels scarcity, increases fuel prices, and strengthens criminal networks operating along border corridors.
The National Coordinator also acknowledged the strategic role of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noting that its intelligence coordination and policy support have continued to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in tackling smuggling and other transnational crimes.
He further commended the NMDPRA for its regulatory oversight and technical support, which he said has been instrumental in ensuring compliance with best practices in the petroleum downstream sector.
The Customs leadership, led by the Comptroller-General, was also praised for providing consistent operational backing and strategic direction that has enhanced the effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind.
He commended officers and men of the unit for their professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty, noting that their efforts have continued to yield measurable results in the fight against smuggling.
Sending a strong warning to perpetrators, he declared that the era of impunity in petroleum smuggling was over, stressing that Operation Whirlwind remains intelligence-driven and fully committed to identifying and dismantling smuggling networks across the country.
He also called on residents of border communities to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, describing public cooperation as critical to sustaining the gains already recorded.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to transparency, he explained that the public auction of the seized products was conducted in line with due process and established guidelines to ensure accountability and proper management of recovered items.
He added that Operation Whirlwind will continue to strengthen surveillance operations, enhance intelligence gathering, and intensify enforcement efforts across all operational zones to safeguard Nigeria’s petroleum resources.
The event ended with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen collaboration in tackling smuggling activities and protecting the nation’s economy.
