The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its crackdown on petrol smuggling, with operatives of its ‘Operation Whirlwind’ intercepting 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at ₦43.7 million in Kwara State.

The National Coordinator of the operation, Aliyu Abubakar, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Customs Command headquarters in Ilorin on Wednesday.

He said the seizures were made across several strategic flashpoints along the Niger/Kwara axis, including Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu, and Salla-Gwanara.

Abubakar warned individuals involved in illegal smuggling of petroleum products that the era of impunity is over, stressing that the operation remains intelligence-driven and proactive.

“Operation Whirlwind is resolute and firmly committed to identifying, intercepting, and dismantling smuggling networks wherever they operate,” he said.

He appealed to residents, particularly those in border communities, to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information, noting that the fight against smuggling requires collective effort.

The coordinator also emphasised that transparency and accountability remain central to the operation’s activities, assuring the public of continued improvements in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement.

Abubakar further acknowledged the role of the Office of the National Security Adviser under Nuhu Ribadu for providing strategic intelligence and policy support in tackling security challenges.