The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its special anti-smuggling task force, Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 15,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N15.375 million during coordinated intelligence-led operations across border communities in the Kwara-Niger axis.

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Mahmood Bello Ishidi, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press briefing preceding the public auction of the seized petroleum products at the Kwara Area Command headquarters in Ilorin.

According to Ishidi, the confiscated consignment comprising 615 jerrycans of 25 litres each was recovered from identified smuggling flashpoints including Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu, and Salla-Gwanara.

Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ishidi described petroleum smuggling as an act of economic sabotage that deprives the nation of critical revenue, disrupts domestic supply chains, and triggers artificial fuel scarcity.

"The intercepted products had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N15,375,000. Beyond depriving the nation of critical revenue, it distorts the supply chain, leading to scarcity and inflated costs that unfairly burden honest Nigerians," he stated, noting that the public auction ensures transparency and accountability in managing recovered national resources.

Reaffirming his commitment as the newly appointed National Coordinator, Ishidi pledged to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational supervision, and inter-agency collaboration while commending the Acting Controller of the Kwara Area Command and field operatives for their diligence.

He urged residents of border communities in Kwara and Niger states to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to curb illicit cross-border trade and protect national economic stability.