Aliyu, Operation Whirlwind Coordinator Seizes 14,375 Litres of PMS, Dismantles Cross-Border Smuggling Gang in Calabar
Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 14,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and dismantled a coordinated network involved in the illegal exportation of petroleum products to neighbouring Cameroon
The National Coordinator of the operation, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, disclosed this in Calabar on 4th March, 2026 during a public auction of the seized fuel.
Aliyu said the seizures were recorded in recent weeks following credible intelligence and intensified enforcement across strategic border corridors. He identified Ikang, Bakassi, Ikom and Ikot-Idareka as major flashpoints where surveillance and interdiction efforts were strengthened.
According to him, the intercepted petroleum products were being diverted for illegal export in clear violation of Nigeria’s laws regulating the distribution and cross border movement of fuel. He noted that the operation successfully disrupted a well coordinated smuggling network operating within the axis.
He explained that Operation Whirlwind was established to curb the illicit diversion of petroleum products, safeguard national energy security and protect Nigeria’s economic interests from sabotage. The initiative, he added, has significantly scaled up intelligence gathering and monitoring of vulnerable supply routes.
Aliyu stated that the auction exercise was conducted on the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in line with due process and the Service’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the disposal of seized goods.
He stressed that petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime, warning that it deprives the government of revenue, disrupts the domestic supply chain and creates artificial scarcity that places hardship on ordinary Nigerians, while also empowering criminal networks.
The Customs coordinator said the 14,375 litres of PMS were being auctioned publicly to ensure the products are returned to the legitimate domestic market rather than re-entering illegal distribution channels.
He acknowledged the strategic support of the Office of the National Security Adviser under Nuhu Ribadu and commended the regulatory oversight provided by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, noting that inter-agency collaboration has strengthened enforcement outcomes.
Aliyu reaffirmed that Operation Whirlwind remains intelligence driven and proactive, warning that the era of impunity for fuel smugglers is over, while urging residents of border communities to cooperate with security agencies in protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
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