Customs seize truckload of petrol worth N53M at Kwara borders

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a substantial quantity of smuggled petroleum within the first month of 2025. In a series of operations across border towns in Kwara State, the NCS intercepted 800 jerry cans, each with a 25-litre capacity, along with a truck carrying 33,000 litres of petroleum.

The total value of the confiscated products is estimated at N53 million.

Comptroller General of the NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this during his familiarization tour of the Kwara State command on February 17, 2025, in Ilorin. He stated that the seizures, which took place between mid-January and February 15, were made in various locations, including Baruten, Kaiama Forest, Ilesha-Baruba, and Gure border towns.

“This operation is part of our ongoing crackdown on smugglers operating across the country,” Adeniyi said. “The Kwara border with Benin Republic remains a critical axis for our operations, and we are reinforcing our presence in the area with senior officers to ensure greater vigilance.”

The NCS Comptroller also highlighted the success of Operation Whirlwind, which has led to significant breakthroughs. These include the sealing of 12 retail outlets involved in smuggling, the seizure of 460,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) destined for neighboring countries, and the confiscation of 23 means of conveyance along with over 8,000 kegs of PMS.

In total, seven suspects have been arrested, and three marketers are currently facing prosecution for regulatory offenses related to the operation.

Adeniyi underscored the sophistication of smuggling networks, noting that the rising trend of petroleum smuggling poses a major challenge to Nigeria’s economy, especially in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal.

He observed that despite expectations that subsidy removal would curb smuggling, price disparities between Nigeria and neighboring countries continue to fuel the illegal fuel trade.

“While petroleum prices in Nigeria have risen to just under N1,000 per litre, prices in countries like Benin Republic and Cameroon are much higher, at around N1,700 and N2,000 respectively. This price difference continues to fuel cross-border smuggling activities,” he said.

The Customs boss stressed the need for collaborative efforts to combat smuggling and warned those involved in these illegal activities to desist or face severe consequences.