Customs Auction 66,500 Litres of Seized Petrol in Kebbi

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi State Command, has auctioned 66,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit seized during an anti-smuggling operation aimed at curbing fuel diversion and economic sabotage.

Speaking during the public auction and handover exercise in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, the Customs Area Controller, Muhammad Ibrahim, said the operation was carried out under the special enforcement unit, Operation Whirlwind, which targets cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.

“It is with great pleasure that we witness this important milestone in our command. Operation Whirlwind remains a strategic unit saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and suppressing the smuggling of PMS across Nigerian borders,” Ibrahim said.

He noted that the initiative is designed to safeguard national resources and strengthen the economy, adding that the latest seizures reflect improved inter-agency collaboration.

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Aliyu Abubakar, disclosed that 864 jerrycans of PMS, amounting to about 21,500 litres, were intercepted at various smuggling flashpoints across the state.

“Through coordinated surveillance and enforcement, a total of 864 jerrycans of PMS were seized across locations, including Bagudo, Kamba, Jega Road and other border communities. The estimated duty-paid value stands at over N21.2 million,” he said.

Abubakar further revealed that a tanker carrying about 45,000 litres of petrol was intercepted along the Jega axis. He explained that the product was originally destined for Katsina but was illegally diverted to Kebbi.

“Its presence along the Jega Road clearly indicates a case of illegal diversion of petroleum products, an act that undermines national economic stability and regulatory frameworks,” he said.

He added that the tanker had been formally handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for further investigation and regulatory action.

Abubakar emphasised that the public auction of seized petroleum products demonstrates the Service’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Transparency remains a key pillar of our operations. This exercise demonstrates due process and responsible management of seized items,” he added.

Also speaking, the NMDPRA representative, Grace Dauda, warned against diversion of petroleum products, noting that such practices negatively affect supply distribution and national planning.

“When a product is manifested for a particular destination like Katsina but diverted elsewhere, it deprives that area of essential supply. These volumes are critical for powering hospitals, security operations and economic activities,” she said.

She added that such infractions could attract financial penalties and possible legal action, urging Nigerians to report suspicious movements of petroleum products.

The crackdown comes amid persistent concerns over fuel smuggling in Nigeria’s border communities, particularly in the North-West, where porous borders and price disparities continue to encourage illegal trade.

Authorities say initiatives such as Operation Whirlwind, supported by intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation, are essential to protecting Nigeria’s fuel supply chain and supporting economic stability.

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