Kebbi Customs Command Auctions 35,000 Litres of Seized Petrol Destined for Smuggling
… Command Records 36% Revenue Increase and Hands Over Seized Cannabis, Donkey Meat to Partner Agencies
There was excitement in Kebbi State on Wednesday, 8th October 2025, as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, announced plans to auction 35,725 litres of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at over N21 million.
The consignment, initially destined for smuggling to neighbouring countries, was intercepted in separate operations within the state.
The announcement was made during the Command’s maiden press briefing under the leadership of its newly appointed Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, fdc.
The event drew several dignitaries, including the Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Adamu Isah Gano, represented by Superintendent of Quarantine Muhammad Bashir Abdulrazaq; Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Kebbi State Command, Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Sokoto; and the Commander of Operation Whirlwind Zone B, Assistant Comptroller of Customs N.O. Edet, among others.
Comptroller Matawalle, while addressing journalists, highlighted the Command’s early achievements within his first month in office, describing them as “a testament to renewed operational vigour and integrity.”
He credited the success to the dedication of officers under Operation Whirlwind Zone B, whose operations led to the seizure of 14,750 litres of PMS valued at N8.85 million. An additional 20,975 litres, valued at N12.58 million, were also intercepted by the Kebbi Area Command, bringing the total haul to 35,725 litres.
“In line with existing laws, the seized petrol will be auctioned transparently to the public, and all proceeds remitted into the Federation Account,” Comptroller Matawalle stated.
He reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-driven patrols aimed at curbing the smuggling of petroleum products, which he described as an economic sabotage undermining national interest.
The Customs chief also announced a notable increase in the Command’s monthly revenue collection. According to him, the Kebbi Command generated N25,621,609.26 in September, marking a 36.13% increase compared to August.
“This growth in revenue performance underscores our commitment to enhancing trade facilitation while ensuring compliance with import and export regulations,” he noted.
On anti-smuggling operations, the Command made several high-profile seizures within the past month, including: 100 bales of second-hand clothing, 444 laptop-sized wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 143 mini sacks of donkey meat, 140 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 100 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 20 jerrycans of vegetable oil.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all the seized items amounted to N109,595,761.
In a show of strong interagency cooperation, Comptroller Matawalle officially handed over the seized cannabis and donkey meat to the NDLEA and NAQS respectively. Representatives from both agencies commended the Customs Command for its collaborative approach in tackling the illicit trade of banned and restricted goods.
The NDLEA Kebbi Commander, Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Sokoto, lauded the Customs’ vigilance, saying: “Such synergy is vital to safeguarding our borders and protecting society from harmful substances.” Similarly, NAQS representative Muhammad Bashir Abdulrazaq reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to continue working closely with Customs to prevent the illegal trade of animal products and maintain Nigeria’s agricultural integrity.
Residents of border communities have reportedly expressed optimism following the announcement, describing the upcoming auction as a welcome relief that will make petrol more accessible locally while discouraging smuggling activities.
The Command’s proactive stance under Comptroller Matawalle’s leadership, combined with strengthened partnerships across security and regulatory agencies, marks a promising start to his tenure – one focused on economic stability, lawful trade, and robust border management.
