Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Kwara and Niger states has revealed that it has intercepted 67,000 liters of fuel in the two states N84.8 million.
In a statement by leader of the operation, Comptroller Hussaini Ejibunu, one suspect was arrested in connection with these smuggling activities and was granted administrative bail.
Ejibunu said that Operation Whirlwind exercise, which began in May, 2024, has saved the country huge resources and enhanced national security as the smuggling of fuel through Kwara land borders has been considerably curtailed.
“Our operatives consisting of enforcement officers and the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) covering the Niger/Kwara axis have continued to record a large number of seizures and arrests.
“On 17th and 18th September, My team along the Gwanara axis of the state, intercepted 38 and 61 Kegs of 25 liters of PMS respectively, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) en route Benin Republic with a duty paid value of N2, 970,000.
“Similarly, on Monday, September 30th, a team of officers led by Chief Superintendent of Customs Waziri Mohammed at about 11:30pm around Gure/kusoboso intercepted 90 kegs of 25 liters of PMS with a duty paid value of N2,700,000.”
Ejibunu added that some notable seizures made by the operatives include two trucks marked FST-524 XG and JJJ-14-XQ respectively stocked with 33,000 liters each, filled with PMS all intended for smuggling out with a duty paid value of N79.2 million.
