The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its efforts to curb the smuggling of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), with significant seizures made under Operation Whirlwind in Kwara State. Between January 14 and February 11, 2025, NCS operatives intercepted over 53,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at ₦53 million .
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described fuel smuggling as a “direct threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.”
He noted that despite the removal of fuel subsidies, smugglers continue to exploit price disparities between Nigeria and neighboring countries, undermining government policies and affecting ordinary Nigerians .
The NCS has adopted a technology-driven strategy to track and disrupt smuggling networks, combining real-time intelligence, advanced surveillance systems, and strategic community engagement.
Adeniyi assured that “smuggling networks are becoming more sophisticated, but so are we” ¹.
The Customs boss pledged to sustain the momentum of anti-smuggling operations nationwide, urging border communities, fuel marketers, and stakeholders to support the fight against illegal fuel trade.
He warned that those involved in fuel smuggling should reconsider their actions, as the full weight of the law will be deployed against them .
