The official described petroleum smuggling as economic sabotage, saying it deprives the government of revenue, disrupts domestic supply chains and contributes to artificial scarcity and rising fuel prices.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 15,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N15.375 million, along the Niger-Kwara border corridor.
The seizure followed intelligence-led operations targeting the illegal movement and diversion of petroleum products across border communities in Kwara State. 
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Mahmood Ishidi, disclosed this during a public auction of the seized products at the Kwara Area Command headquarters in Ilorin.
Mr Ishidi, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the seized products comprised 615 jerrycans, each containing 25 litres of petrol.
He listed the recovery locations as Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu and Salla-Gwanara.
He described petroleum smuggling as “economic sabotage”, warning that the practice undermines government revenue, disrupts domestic supply chains and contributes to artificial scarcity and rising fuel prices.
Mr Ishidi said the Service would strengthen intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and operational strategies to sustain the achievements of Operation Whirlwind.
He explained that the public auction was intended to promote transparency and accountability in the management of seized petroleum products.
The National Coordinator commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for their support in combating petroleum smuggling.
He also praised the Acting Controller of the Kwara Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, and Operation Whirlwind personnel for their professionalism and commitment.
Mr Ishidi urged residents of border communities to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information about suspicious activities.
In his own remarks, Mr Ogundeyi stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating smuggling and other economic crimes.
He commended the media and sister security agencies for their contributions, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to strengthening stakeholder partnerships, enhancing border security and curbing smuggling.
