The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, in a joint operation with “Operation Whirlwind,” has intercepted 35,725 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at over ₦21.4$ million, meant for smuggling out of the country.
The interception was announced by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle, at his maiden press briefing in Birnin Kebbi during the week.
Matawalle disclosed that the seizures, totaling 1,429 jerry cans of PMS, were executed at various smuggling flashpoints across the state, including Bagudo, Lolo, Tsamiya, Bunza, Dankingari, Kamba, and Zuru/Mahakala.
Specifically, Operation Whirlwind intercepted 14,750 litres DPV of ₦8,850,000, while Kebbi Command officers seized 20,975 litres valued at ₦12,585,000.
The CAC emphasised that the Service’s commitment to stopping fuel smuggling is crucial for protecting the Nigerian economy and preventing domestic shortages.
He confirmed that the seized petroleum products would be auctioned in line with existing laws, with the proceeds remitted to the Federal Government, FG.
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Furthermore, Matawalle, who assumed duty in September 2025, reported a significant increase in revenue generation.
The command generated ₦25,621,609.26 in September, marking a 36.13% rise compared to August.
He attributed this improvement to renewed stakeholder engagement and strengthened collaboration, particularly boosting legitimate trade through the Kamba border axis.
In addition to the fuel, the Command seized other prohibited items within his first month in office, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦109,595,761.
These items include 100 bales of second-hand clothing, 140 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 100 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 20 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 143 mini sacks of donkey meat, and 444 laptop-sized wraps of Cannabis Sativa.
In a show of inter-agency cooperation, the seized 444 wraps of Cannabis Sativa were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), represented by the State Commander, Rabiu Abdullahi Sokoto.
Similarly, the 143 pieces of donkey meat were handed over to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), represented by Superintendent of Quarantine Muhammad Abdulrazaq.
Matawalle reaffirmed his dedication to suppressing smuggling and announced plans for a comprehensive tour of border stations to assess operations and challenges firsthand.
He affirmed that the Command would continue to safeguard the national economy through “innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication.”
