By Peace Udugba
The Operation Whirlwind Zone B has auctioned 365 jerrycans containing 9,125 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) seized from suspected petroleum product smugglers operating along the Sokoto-Kebbi axis.
The public auction was held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Command.
The seized PMS has an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦9.125 million, according to the Team Commander, Operation Whirlwind Zone B, who represented the National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abubakar Lucky Aliyu.
Speaking at the auction, the Team Commander said the seizure was part of ongoing efforts by Operation Whirlwind to curb the diversion, smuggling and illicit movement of petroleum products across Nigeria.
He said the products were intercepted following credible intelligence at strategic flashpoints, including Kamba, Bagudo, Gwadabawa and Illela along the Sokoto/Kebbi axis.
“The seized products comprise 365 jerrycans of PMS, amounting to a total volume of 9,125 litres, with an estimated Duty Paid Value of Nine Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand Naira only,” he said.
According to him, the interception demonstrates the commitment of Operation Whirlwind to protecting Nigeria’s strategic petroleum resources and ensuring that petroleum products are managed in the overall interest of the country.
The Team Commander acknowledged the support and strategic direction of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under the leadership of Nuhu Ribadu, as well as the technical partnership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
He also commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service and the management team for their continued support for Operation Whirlwind.
The officers and personnel of Operation Whirlwind, alongside collaborating agencies, were equally praised for their professionalism, vigilance, discipline and dedication in the fight against smuggling and economic sabotage.
Auction Promotes Transparency
The Team Commander described the public auction as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of seized petroleum products.
He urged participants and stakeholders to comply strictly with the established guidelines governing the auction exercise.
He also warned individuals and groups involved in the illegal smuggling and diversion of petroleum products that Operation Whirlwind would continue to intensify its operations.
“Operation Whirlwind remains resolute and intelligence-driven. We will continue to identify, intercept and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate,” he said.
The security operation also called on residents of border communities and other members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspected smuggling activities.
The Team Commander stressed that combating petroleum smuggling requires the collective efforts of government agencies, border communities and the wider public.
He assured Nigerians that Operation Whirlwind would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement across its operational areas.
He said the ultimate objective was to safeguard Nigeria’s petroleum resources, protect the economy and ensure that the country’s resources serve the collective interest of Nigerians.
