The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Operation Whirlwind has recorded significant success in its fight against fuel smuggling, seizing two lorries, 1,046 kegs filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and 12 drums of petroleum products.
In a press conference held on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) Aliyu Alajogun, in charge of Enforcement, Investigation, and Inspection, announced that since the operation’s launch on 10 June 2024, efforts have intensified, yielding further results across multiple border regions.
He said: “Our ongoing operations have recorded substantial seizures in various locations, including the North-West borders in the Sokoto-Kebbi axis, the South-West borders around the Seme-Badagry and Idiroko axis, and the southern borders in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.”
“I am pleased to announce that in this latest phase of Operation Whirlwind, we have seized two lorries carrying smuggled petroleum products, 1,046 kegs filled with PMS, and 12 drums of petroleum products. Additionally, one suspect has been apprehended in connection with these smuggling activities,” he noted.
According to him, the seizures underscore the persistent nature of the challenge and the necessity of continued vigilance and action.
The Customs chief warned those engaged in illicit activities, stating that “The full force of the law will be brought to bear on anyone caught smuggling our nation’s resources.”
He called on all Nigerians, particularly residents of Adamawa and other border states, to support the operation. “Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in our collective efforts to safeguard our nation’s resources and ensure that the benefits of fuel price deregulation are fully realised by all Nigerians.”
He also announced the immediate auction of the seized products at two petrol stations in Yola, at the rate of ₦630 per litre.
In the same vein, the National Coordinator in charge of the operations, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu also emphasised the negative consequences of aiding smugglers to execute their illegal activities.
