Operation Whirlwind Intercepts Over 53,000 Litres Of Smuggled PMS In Kwara
Operation Whirlwind Intercepts Over 53,000 Litres Of Smuggled PMS In Kwara
By Asuquo Nuwak
The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified efforts to curb the smuggling of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), which has resulted in major seizures under Operation Whirlwind in Kwara State, adding that between January 14 and February 11, 2025, NCS operatives have intercepted over 53,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦53 million.
In his presentation during a press briefing at the Kwara Command on Monday, February 17, 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described fuel smuggling as a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
Beside this, he said despite the removal of fuel subsidies, the Service continue to witness the exploitation of price disparities between Nigeria and neighbouring countries. CGC Adeniyi announced that this illegal trade not only undermines government policies but also affects ordinary Nigerians by inflating fuel costs and creating artificial scarcity.
He noted that, the global prices of petroleum, as of February 10, 2025, was at ₦1,184.83 per litre in Nigeria, compared to ₦1,680.32 per litre in Benin and ₦2,030.89 per litre in Cameroon.
He added that, the significant price difference has encouraged large-scale smuggling, creating a black market economy that deprives Nigeria of critical resources.
In the words of CGC Adeniyi: “This is not just about revenue loss, it is about economic sabotage. Every litre smuggled out of Nigeria is a litre that could have powered local industries, facilitated transportation, and supported small businesses”.
The CGC is quoted as disclosing that: “Through intelligence-driven operations and routine patrols, the Service’s operatives have successfully intercepted smuggled fuel across Gure road, Bankubu, Illesha Baruba axis, and Kayama forest.
CGC Adeniyi said statistics on the seizures between January 14th to February 11th has shown that the Service had, on 14th January seized 94 jerry cans 2,350 litres of PMS at Gure road, valued at ₦2.35 million.
He further noted that on February 5th, 162 jerry cans and 4,050 litres of PMS were intercepted at Kayama forest in a Nissan Pickup (MHA556FD), driven by Nafiu Salami who is now under administrative bail, with a DPV of ₦4.05 million. In addition to this, he said on 11 February, 33,000 litre of tanker truck was intercepted along Siya Buriya road, valued at ₦33 million.
Furthermore, CGC Adeniyi disclosed that the evolving tactics of smugglers require more than traditional enforcement approaches, stating that through Operation Whirlwind, Customs has adopted a technology-driven strategy, combining real-time intelligence, advanced surveillance systems, and strategic community engagement to track and disrupt smuggling networks.
CGC is quoted as saying that: ” Smuggling networks are becoming more sophisticated, but so with the Service. With the deployment of digital monitoring tools, enhanced risk management frameworks, and proactive intelligence sharing, we are closing in on economic saboteurs”.
The CGC however, pledged to sustain the momentum of its anti-smuggling operations nationwide, urging border communities, fuel marketers, and stakeholders to support the fight against illegal fuel trade.
He announced that the Service will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure compliance and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.
He further warned those involved in fuel smuggling to reconsider their actions, as the full weight of the law will be deployed against them.
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