Customs, Operation Whirlwind Intercept 35,725 Litres of Smuggled Fuel, Hand Over Seized Items to NDLEA, NAQS
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, has recorded significant interceptions of petroleum products and other contraband items through coordinated anti-smuggling operations conducted in collaboration with Operation Whirlwind.
Speaking at his maiden press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle disclosed that the joint operations led to the interception of 35,725 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at over ₦21.4 million.
According to him, Operation Whirlwind intercepted 14,750 litres of PMS with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦8,850,000, while Kebbi Command officers seized an additional 20,975 litres, valued at ₦12,585,000. The seizures, totalling 1,429 jerry cans of PMS, were made at various smuggling flashpoints across the state, including Bagudo, Lolo, Tsamiya, Bunza, Dankingari, Kamba, and Zuru/Mahakala.
Comptroller Matawalle noted that the seizures demonstrate the Service’s unwavering resolve, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to protect Nigeria’s economy and safeguard national resources from economic saboteurs.
“Fuel smuggling is a major issue in Nigeria. Smugglers use our borders to take fuel to other countries, hurting our economy and causing shortages at home. The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to stopping these acts and protecting our national interests,” he stated.
He revealed that the seized petroleum products would be auctioned in accordance with existing laws, with all proceeds duly remitted into the coffers of the Federal Government.
Comptroller Matawalle, who assumed duty in September 2025, said the Command had also recorded an improvement in revenue generation following a review of operational structures and renewed engagement with stakeholders.
He disclosed that Kebbi Command generated ₦25,621,609.26 in September representing a 36.13 per cent increase compared to the preceding month of August. He attributed the improvement to sustained stakeholder meetings, enhanced monitoring, and strengthened collaboration, which has boosted legitimate trade through the Kamba border axis.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to suppressing smuggling, Matawalle said the Command seized several prohibited items within his first month in office. These include; 100 bales of second-hand clothing, 444 laptop-sized wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 143 mini sacks of donkey meat, 140 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 100 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 20 jerry cans of vegetable oil. According to him, the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at ₦109,595,761.
In line with inter-agency cooperation, the Comptroller officially handed over 143 pieces of donkey meat to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), represented by Superintendent of Quarantine Muhammad Abdulrazaq, and 444 wraps of Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), represented by the State Commander, Rabiu Abdullahi Sokoto.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, the CAC said he had paid courtesy visits to sister security agencies in Kebbi State to deepen synergy, intelligence sharing, and operational support. He also announced plans to embark on a comprehensive tour of border stations including Kamba, Dolekaina, Bagudo, Maje, Sebgana/Tsamiya, and Lolo to assess operations and challenges on the ground.
“Through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication, Kebbi Area Command will continue to contribute meaningfully to safeguarding our national economy and ensuring the security of our nation,” Comptroller Matawalle affirmed”.
The press briefing, which featured the display of seized items, was attended by representatives of various security agencies, members of the press, and invited guests.
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