The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded its largest single seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State under Operation Whirlwind, reaffirming its commitment to curbing fuel smuggling.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kebbi on Tuesday, March 2025, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) of Financial Administration and Special Duty, Hussein Ejibunu, who also serve as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, disclosed the milestone on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi .
Ejibunu emphasized that PMS smuggling posed severe economic threats, including revenue loss, distortion of trade statistics, artificial scarcity, and national security risks.
“This seizure marks a significant milestone in our efforts to protect Nigeria’s critical resources. The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in tackling smuggling activities that undermine government policies and economic stability,” he stated.
Acting on credible intelligence, Customs operatives intercepted the illegal fuel shipments in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State after days of surveillance. The seized PMS included:
Truck Plate Number DC 7184 RB (Nigeria): 766 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres.
Truck Number AT 2457 RUP (Republic of Benin): 1,454 jerrycans of 25 litres and 18 drums of 200 litres.
Truck Number BV C240 Arubi (Republic of Benin): 1,350 jerrycans of 25 litres and 18 drums of 200 litres.
805 jerrycans of 25 litres seized at flashpoints, including Dole Kaina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya.
Ejibunu reiterated the NCS’s commitment to sustained anti-smuggling efforts and enhanced inter-agency collaboration to secure Nigeria’s borders.
To prevent profiteering by smugglers, the seized PMS was sold at a controlled price of ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan, ensuring affordability for Nigerians.
The Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwakureke, assured stakeholders of continued enforcement of trade regulations.
“We remain committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring a seamless business environment. For smugglers, our operations will only intensify to bring smuggling to its lowest level,” he stated.
Nwakureke commended Customs officers for their diligence and praised the synergy with sister security agencies, describing their support as vital to the fight against smuggling.
On his way back from Kebbi, ACG Ejibunu visited the Sokoto Customs Area Command, where he met with Comptroller Umar Abdulkadir, the Controller of Sokoto-Zamfara Command, and officers of the service.
During the visit, he inspected officers and reviewed operations, reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to border security and the anti-smuggling campaign.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its determination to sustain its momentum in tackling smuggling while strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to facilitate legitimate trade and economic stability.
