Nigeria Customs seizes N125 million worth of smuggled petrol in Kebbi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizure during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

Adeniyi, represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Husseini Ejibunu, attributed the success to credible intelligence from the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU).

According to Adeniyi, the Tsamiya area of Kebbi had been under surveillance for days before customs operatives, in collaboration with the Kebbi Area Command and the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) ‘B’, intercepted three Scania trucks transporting the smuggled fuel.

“We intercepted three Scania trucks carrying smuggled PMS, all registered in the Republic of Benin,” he said.

Providing details of the seizure, he highlighted the following:

Adeniyi emphasized that the operation reaffirmed NCS’s commitment to curbing smuggling and illicit trade, which he described as threats to Nigeria’s economic and social stability.

“This success highlights the importance of vigilance and collaboration in addressing complex security challenges,” he stated.

He credited the achievement to the coordinated efforts of Operation Whirlwind, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

He said the synergy with the ONSA, under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has significantly strengthened intelligence gathering and border security operations.

“The coordinated efforts of these institutions have enabled us to swiftly respond to intelligence reports and secure our borders with precision and professionalism. 

“Their leadership has been instrumental in fostering trust and cooperation among all stakeholders,” he stated.

Earlier, the Kebbi Area Controller, Chidi Nwokorie, praised the dedication of customs officers, police personnel, and other security agencies involved in the operation.

The NCS has vowed to intensify its crackdown on smuggling to protect the nation’s economy and ensure strict compliance with trade regulations.