The Nigeria Customs Service has stepped up efforts against fuel smuggling in the North Central region, auctioning 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted along the Niger–Kwara corridor.
Speaking in Ilorin on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Abubakar Aliyu, said the seizure followed actionable intelligence targeting illegal petroleum distribution networks.
According to him, operatives intercepted 1,510 jerry cans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres, with a total estimated value of N43.75 million.
The products were recovered from key smuggling routes, including Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu, and Salla-Gwanara.
Aliyu described fuel smuggling as economic sabotage, noting that it drains national revenue, disrupts supply, and drives up fuel costs for citizens. He emphasized that the operation demonstrates the resolve of security agencies to curb such illegal activities.
He also acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser under Nuhu Ribadu, as well as the technical backing of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The Acting Customs Area Controller for Kwara Command, Najeem Ogundeyi, commended the collaboration among security agencies, stressing that intelligence sharing has been key to recent successes.
Customs warned smugglers to desist, stating that enforcement efforts would continue, while urging border communities to provide timely information to support the fight against illegal fuel trade.
