NCS: 43,750 Litres Of Petrol Seized By Operation Whirlwind Auctioned In Ilorin

The 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) that was seized by customs officers attached to ‘Operation Whirlwind’ in the Kwara/ Niger States axis of the Kwara Command of the Nigeria Customs Service have been actioned.

 Team@orientactualmags.com reports that the auction exercise was carried out by the Nigeria Customs Service at the headquarters of the Kwara Area Command in Ilorin on Wednesday.

 Recall that ‘Operation Whirlwind’ was launched in May 2024 to fight illegal trade of petroleum products across the nation’s borders and the exercise is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

National Coordinator of ‘Operation Whirlwind’, Deputy Controller, Abubakar Aliyu, who noted that the seizures were carried out across several strategic flashpoints including Kaiama Axis, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru- Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu, and Salla-Gwanara, added that  the operation which was executed with precision and diligence, resulted in the seizure of 1,510 Jerry-cans of 25 litres each of PMS and 30 Drums of 200 litres each of PMS, yielding a total volume of 43,750litres, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N43. 7 million.

‘The successful interception of this seized consignment underscores our resolute dedication to upholding the laws and policies designed to safeguard Nigeria’s strategic resources and ensure that they are managed in a manner that serves the collective interest of all citizens’ he said.

Mr. Abubakar Aliyu also emphasized that the smuggling of petroleum products constitutes ‘a serious act of economic sabotage’ while noting that beyond depriving the nation of critical revenue, it also distorts the supply chain, leading to scarcity and inflated costs that unfairly burden honest Nigerians.

This unlawful activity, he added, strengthens organized criminal networks, ‘weakens the integrity of our borders, and poses a broader threat to national security’.

‘These achievements reaffirm our collective resolve to combat smuggling and illicit trade, which threaten the social and economic well-being of our great nation. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of complex challenges’ he said.

Mr. Abubakar Aliyu also sent a clear and unequivocal warning to ‘all individuals involved in nefarious activities of illegal smuggling of petroleum products’ that the era of impunity has come to an end.

 Operation Whirlwind is according to him resolute, proactive and firmly-driven by intelligence in its operations and will continue to identify, pursue, intercept, and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they may exist.

He also urged the general public especially those who are living in border communities, to sustain their cooperation with security agencies by providing credible and real time information noting that the fight against smuggling is ‘a collective responsibility’, while adding that their support remains indispensable in protecting the nation’s economic stability.

The top customs officer reassured the public that ‘Operation Whirlwind’ will continue to enhance its surveillance capabilities, strengthen intelligence gathering and intensify enforcement actions across all operational fronts adding that ‘together, we will bring an end to petroleum smuggling and preserve the integrity of our nation’s economy’.

Giving his speech, Acting Controller, Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), Mr Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, submitted that Operation Whirlwind has demonstrated tremendous effort in respect of commitment to fighting illegal trade of petroleum products across the nation’s borders while adding that the successes are as a result of the cordial relationship and intelligence sharing between the Area Command and Operation Whirlwind Unit.

He urged sister agencies and the relevant stakeholders to continue to support the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service with synergy, intelligence sharing, collaboration and the protection of the nation’s interests as the common goal-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you