Nigeria Customs Operation Whirlwind Intercepts Over 53,000 Litres of PMS in Kwara
…CGC Adeniyi Declares Fuel Smuggling a Threat to Economic Stability
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to stamping out fuel smuggling, as operatives of Operation Whirlwind intercepted over 53,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kwara State.
The seizures, made between 14th January and 11th February 2025, have a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N53 million, underscoring the Service’s intensified enforcement efforts at border areas.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, 17th February 2025, at the Kwara Command, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, described fuel smuggling as a “direct threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.”
He lamented that despite the removal of fuel subsidies, unscrupulous individuals continued to exploit price disparities between Nigeria and neighbouring countries for illicit gains.
“Despite subsidy removal, we still witness the exploitation of fuel price differences. This illegal trade not only undermines government policies but also affects ordinary Nigerians by inflating fuel costs and creating artificial scarcity,” Adeniyi stated.
Citing current fuel prices, Adeniyi noted that as of 10th February 2025, PMS was selling at N1,184.83 per litre in Nigeria, whereas in Benin and Cameroon, prices stood at N1,680.32 and N2,030.89 per litre, respectively.
He emphasised that the wide margin had fuelled large-scale smuggling, fostering a black market economy that deprives Nigeria of critical resources.
“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 Customs boss stressed.
Revealing the scale of recent seizures, Adeniyi stated that NCS operatives intercepted smuggled PMS across major smuggling routes, including Gure Road, Bankubu, Illesha Baruba Axis, and Kayama Forest.
Providing a breakdown of key operations, he listed:
14th January 2025: 94 jerry cans (2,350 litres) of PMS were seized at Gure Road, valued at N2.35 million.
5th February 2025: 162 jerry cans (4,050 litres) of PMS were intercepted at Kayama Forest, concealed in a Nissan Pickup (MHA556FD) driven by Nafiu Salami, now under administrative bail. The consignment was valued at N4.05 million.
11th February 2025: A 33,000-litre tanker truck loaded with PMS was intercepted along Siya Buriya Road, with a total DPV of N33 million.
Acknowledging the evolving tactics of smugglers, Adeniyi stated that the NCS was deploying a technology-driven strategy under Operation Whirlwind, incorporating real-time intelligence gathering, advanced surveillance systems and strategic community engagement.
“Smuggling networks are becoming more sophisticated, but so are we. With the deployment of digital monitoring tools, enhanced risk management frameworks, and proactive intelligence-sharing, we are closing in on economic saboteurs,” Adeniyi assured.
The Customs boss pledged that anti-smuggling operations would be sustained nationwide, urging border communities, fuel marketers, and stakeholders to support the fight against illegal fuel trade.
“We 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 stated.
Adeniyi also issued a stern warning to those engaging in fuel smuggling, stressing that the full weight of the law would be brought upon offenders.
“Those involved in fuel smuggling should reconsider their actions, as the full weight of the law will be deployed against them,” he cautioned.
