Nigeria Customs Service auctions 43,750 litres of smuggled petrol in Kwara

Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, stated the seizure followed credible intelligence to disrupt illegal petroleum distribution. The operation intercepted 1,510 jerry-cans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres, with an estimated duty paid value of N43.75 million. The products were seized from flashpoints like Kaiama, Shiya, and Ilesha-Baruba, identified as active smuggling routes.

Aliyu emphasized that fuel smuggling is economic sabotage, depriving the nation of revenue, disrupting supply chains, and increasing costs for citizens. He added that such activities empower criminal networks and threaten national security. He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for their support, and Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for backing the operation.

Aliyu warned smugglers that security agencies would no longer tolerate illegal dealings and would continue to dismantle smuggling networks. He urged border community residents to provide timely information. Acting Customs Area Controller for Kwara Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi, praised the collaboration between Operation Whirlwind and other agencies, attributing successes to intelligence sharing.