By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Nigeria Customs Service has conducted a public auction of 14,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of its ongoing anti-smuggling operations under Operation Whirlwind.
The auction, held on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, was carried out on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, according to the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind in Zone C (Calabar Axis), Abubakar Aliyu.
Addressing representatives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), security agencies, stakeholders and members of the press, the coordinator said the exercise underscored the Service’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the disposal of seized petroleum products.
He 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 to 14,375 litres.
The seizures were made through sustained surveillance and strategic interdictions across identified flashpoints, including Ikang, Bakassi, Ikom and Ikot-Idareka.
He stated that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized petroleum products stood at ₦14,375,000.
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 government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain and creates artificial scarcity that brings hardship to ordinary Nigerians.
“Petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime,” he said. “It empowers criminal networks that threaten national security and economic stability.”
He 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 event 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.
The Customs official acknowledged the strategic coordination provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser under the leadership of Nuhu Ribadu, 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’s activities.
The coordinator praised officers and men of Operation Whirlwind and partner agencies for their professionalism and vigilance, warning that the era of impunity for petroleum smugglers was over.
“Operation Whirlwind remains resolute, proactive and intelligence-driven in its operations. We will continue to track, intercept and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate,” he said.
He urged residents of border communities to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing 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.
