NCS Intercepts PMS Worth N15m In Niger/Kwara Axis
* Vows To Protect Nation’s Economic Interest
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
In a series of intelligence-led operations across border communities in Kwara State, the
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the aegis of the Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 15,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), worth N15.37 million.
This was disclosed during a press briefing on Wednesday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, by the National Coordinator of Operation NCS Whirlwind, Mahmood Bello Ishidi.
According to him, the seized petroleum products, comprising 615 jerrycans of 25 litres each, were intercepted at strategic locations in the Niger-Kwara axis as part of sustained efforts to combat the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products, adding that the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations targeting identified smuggling flashpoints.
He listed the locations where the interceptions were made to include Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara.
According to him, the operation’s latest achievement demonstrated the determination of the Customs Service to prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.
He said the intercepted products had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N15,375,000.
Describing petroleum smuggling as economic sabotage, the National Coordinator warned that the illegal trade undermines government revenue, disrupts the domestic supply chain and contributes to artificial scarcity and rising costs of petroleum products.
“Beyond depriving the nation of critical revenue, it distorts the supply chain, leading to scarcity and inflated costs that unfairly burden honest Nigerians,” he said.
Ishidi added that the illicit business also strengthens organised criminal networks, weakens border security and poses wider threats to national security.
The National Coordinator, who described the auction as part of efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of seized petroleum products, said the exercise reflected the government’s commitment to the prudent management of recovered national resources.
He also used the occasion to outline his leadership priorities, promising to strengthen intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, operational supervision and enforcement strategies to consolidate the achievements of Operation Whirlwind.
“As the newly appointed National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to providing purposeful and strategic leadership, enhancing operational effectiveness, and consolidating on the gains and achievements already recorded by the operation,” he stated.
He explained that the renewed strategy would prioritise stronger coordination, intelligence-led interventions and a result-driven operational framework to improve the effectiveness of the operation across its areas of responsibility.
Ishidi commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their continued support, while acknowledging the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to the fight against petroleum smuggling.
He equally praised the Acting Controller of the Kwara Area Command and officers of Operation Whirlwind in the Niger-Kwara axis for their professionalism, diligence and commitment, which he said had contributed to the successes recorded.
The Customs chief called on residents of border communities to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information on suspicious movements and activities.
“The fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility, and your support remains indispensable in protecting the nation’s economic stability,” he appealed.
He assured Nigerians that Operation Whirlwind would intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations across its operational fronts to frustrate petroleum smugglers and safeguard the country’s economic interests.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Area Controller NCS, Kwara Area Command, DC Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, had commended sister agencies and the media for their sustained support and collaboration in advancing the fight against smuggling and other economic crimes.
Ogundeyi described inter-agency cooperation as a critical factor in achieving national security and economic objectives, noting that the continued partnership among security and enforcement agencies had remained reliable over the years.
The media, he noted, has remained an important partner in creating public awareness and ensuring that the activities of the Service reach people beyond its operational locations.
He also reaffirmed the Command’s appreciation of its stakeholders and partners, expressing delight at hosting them at the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin.
The gathering brought together the leadership of Operation Whirlwind, sister security agencies, Customs officers and men, stakeholders and members of the press.
