Leadership reports that the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) Operation Whirlwind, active along the Kwara and Niger states axis, has seized 67,000 litres of petroleum valued at N84.8 million in just one month.

Initiated in May 2024 and coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the operation marks a significant effort in combatting smuggling activities.

According to a statement signed by Zakari Chado, spokesperson for the NCS Kwara Area Command, the seized petroleum has since been auctioned to the public, as announced by the exercise's national coordinator, Comptroller Hussaini Ejibunu.

“A few months into the ongoing operations Whirlwind, appreciable results have been recorded, particularly in the areas of illegal smuggling of petroleum motor spirit (PMS).

“The operation, through the leadership of Compt. Hussaini Ejibunu took a definitive step to put Nigeria on the path to suppress the smuggling of PMS out of the country through the exercise. The operation WHIRLWIND exercise has no doubt saved the country huge resources and enhanced national security as the smuggling of PMS out of the country through Kwara land borders has been considerably curtailed,” Chado said.

He added, “Our operatives consisting of enforcement officers and Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) covering Niger/Kwara axis have continued to record a large number of seizures and arrests. On 17th and 18th September.”