By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its anti-smuggling operations with the interception and public auction of 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across border communities in the Niger/Kwara axis.

Addressing stakeholders at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, said the exercise was carried out on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Aliyu said the service remains committed to dismantling smuggling networks, stressing that the “era of impunity is over.”

According to him, the seized products were intercepted following credible intelligence, resulting in the confiscation of 1,510 jerry cans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres, with an estimated value of N43.75 million.

He explained that the operations were carried out across several border flashpoints, including Kaima, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara, areas known for cross-border smuggling activities.

“This operation underscores our commitment to curbing the diversion of petroleum products that threaten Nigeria’s economic stability,” he said.

Aliyu warned that petrol smuggling remains a major economic threat, noting that it undermines government revenue, distorts supply chains and contributes to artificial scarcity.

“Smuggling of petroleum products is an act of economic sabotage. It empowers criminal networks and worsens hardship for law-abiding citizens,” he added.

He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser under Nuhu Ribadu for intelligence support, as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for regulatory collaboration.

Aliyu also praised the leadership of the Customs Service for strengthening Operation Whirlwind’s operational capacity.

He further urged residents of border communities to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Customs Area Controller for Kwara Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi, commended the inter-agency collaboration that led to the success of the operation.

“The success recorded reflects strong synergy and intelligence sharing among security agencies,” he said.

Customs explained that the auction of the seized products is part of efforts to ensure transparency and proper management of confiscated petroleum products, while reinforcing the Federal Government’s anti-smuggling drive.