The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 125,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, in Kebbi State, marking a significant disruption in an anti-smuggling operation. This seizure, made under Operation Whirlwind, is the largest fuel bust recorded since the initiative began.
At a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Hissaini Ejibunu, described fuel smuggling as a serious economic threat that leads to revenue losses, artificial scarcity, and security risks.
He explained that operatives from the Kebbi Area Command and the Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, acting on intelligence, intercepted three Scania trucks loaded with fuel in Tsamiya.
The seized fuel, packed in 4,375 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 54 drums of 200 litres, had a Duty Paid Value of ₦125 million and was reportedly being smuggled across the border. The intercepted trucks were registered in the Republic of Benin and had been under surveillance before the operation took place.
Additional fuel seizures were made at smuggling hotspots, including Dolekeina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, and Lolo Tsamiya. Ejibunu credited the success of the operation to intelligence collaboration between the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which played a crucial role in disrupting the smuggling network.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by ACG Hussaini Ejibunu, praised the officers’ vigilance and commended National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his contribution to the broader fight against economic crimes. Adeniyi urged Nigerians to support Customs’ anti-smuggling efforts by reporting suspicious activities.
“The success of this operation underscores the strength of inter-agency collaboration,” Adeniyi said. “We remain committed to dismantling smuggling networks and holding economic saboteurs accountable.”
The Customs Area Controller for Kebbi Command Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, assured that the crackdown on fuel smuggling would continue with renewed intensity, emphasizing the NCS’s commitment to facilitating lawful trade and ensuring compliance with regulations.
