The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 15,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, valued at 15.3 million naira along the Niger-Kwara border corridor.
The seizure was made by the Service’s Operation Whirlwind during 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 the public auction of the seized products at the Kwara Area Command headquarters in Ilorin.
He said the products, comprising 615 jerrycans of 25 litres each, were recovered from several locations, including Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma and Baruten.
Mr Ishidi described petroleum smuggling as economic sabotage, noting that it deprives the government of revenue, disrupts domestic supply chains and contributes to artificial scarcity and rising fuel prices.
He assured that the Service would strengthen intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies to sustain the fight against petroleum smuggling.
The Customs Service also urged residents of border communities to provide credible information on suspicious activities to support ongoing operations.
