The Nigeria Customs Service says it has intercepted 14,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of its ongoing anti-smuggling operations, under ‘Operation Whirlwind’.
National Coordinator of ‘Operation Whirlwind’ in Zone C, Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this on Tuesday while carrying out a public auction of the seized product.
Addressing representatives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), security agencies, stakeholders, and the press, Aliyu disclosed that the seized petrol was intercepted following credible and actionable intelligence, which led operatives to dismantle a coordinated network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighbouring Cameroon.
According to him, the operation resulted in the interception of 235 jerry-cans of 25 litres each and 40 drums of 200 litres each, bringing the total volume seized to 14,375 litres.
The seizures, he further stated, were made through sustained surveillance and strategic interdictions across identified flashpoints, including Ikang, Bakassi, Ikom, and Ikot-Idareka, stating that the total duty paid value of the seized petroleum products stood at ₦14,375,000.
Read Also:
- Cross River APC elects Etta as state chairman
- Police confirm arsonists attack on Catholic Church in Cross River
- Commercial drivers stage protest in Cross River over harassment, excessive taxation
The coordinator explained that ‘Operation Whirlwind’ is a special anti-petroleum smuggling initiative established to combat the illicit diversion of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders, safeguard national energy security, and protect the country’s economic interests.
He noted that petroleum smuggling undermines the national economy, deprives the government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain, and creates artificial scarcity that brings hardship to ordinary Nigerians.
Aliyu added that the public auction was conducted in line with extant laws and due process to ensure that the products are returned to the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than being re-diverted into illegal channels.
The customs official acknowledged the strategic coordination provided by the office of the national security adviser, noting that inter-agency collaboration had strengthened enforcement outcomes.
He also commended the NMDPRA for its regulatory oversight and technical expertise, as well as the leadership of the comptroller-general and his management team for supporting ‘Operation Whirlwind’.
While urging residents of border communities to support security agencies with timely and credible information, he stressed that the fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility.
He assured Nigerians that surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement actions would be intensified across all operational zones to safeguard the nation’s petroleum resources and protect the economy.
The auction was held in the presence of relevant government agencies, security organisations, civil society representatives, and the media to guarantee openness and credibility in the disposal process.
