The Nigeria Customs Service says its Operation Whirlwind team, covering the Kwara–Niger axis, has intercepted 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at ₦43.75 million in a major crackdown on fuel smuggling.
The National Coordinator of the operation, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this at the Customs House in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, during a public auction of the seized products.
According to him, the operation was executed with precision, targeting key smuggling routes including Kaiama, Boriya, and Ilesha-Baruba, leading to the seizure of 1,510 jerry cans and 30 drums of PMS.
Aliyu noted that the seizures underscore the Service’s commitment to protecting national resources and enforcing existing laws to ensure petroleum products serve the interest of Nigerians.
He added that transparency and accountability remain central to operations, with the public auction reflecting openness in the handling of seized goods.
The Service also warned smugglers to desist, stressing that Operation Whirlwind remains intelligence-driven and committed to curbing illegal fuel diversion.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
