The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussain Ejibunu, has declared an all-out offensive against petrol smuggling in the northern axis, showcasing the seizure of over 71,965 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with a monetary value exceeding ₦81.5 million.
Speaking in Yola during a press briefing on Wednesday, Ejibunu reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to curtailing economic sabotage and stabilising fuel supply in the region.
“This operation is about securing our economy and ensuring that no individual or group exploits Nigeria’s resources for personal gain. The seized PMS, intended for smuggling to Cameroon, will be auctioned immediately, and the proceeds will be remitted to the Federation Account as mandated by the NCS Act, 2023.” Ejibunu stated.
Under his leadership, Operation Whirlwind has transformed the fight against smuggling in the Adamawa-Taraba axis, a region notorious for its porous borders and lucrative smuggling routes.
Prior to the operation’s launch, petrol smuggling thrived unchecked, creating artificial scarcity and inflating fuel prices in Nigeria.
The most recent operation yielded substantial seizures, including 1,124 jerrycans of 25, 40, and 60-litre capacities; 53 drums of 200-litre capacity; and two fuel tankers carrying 21,000 litres of PMS.
These products were intercepted during coordinated surveillance operations, which also led to the apprehension of a suspect now facing prosecution.
In a testament to inter-agency collaboration, Ejibunu disclosed that 13 of the 14 intercepted fuel tankers were handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Adamawa, while the remaining one was transferred to Taraba.
He noted that the collaborative efforts of stakeholders had significantly reduced fuel scarcity and price instability in the region.
Ejibunu commended the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and other units of the NCS, including the Adamawa-Taraba Area Command, the Federal Operations Unit Zone D, Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), and the Strike and Intervention Squad (SIS).
He further acknowledged the critical role of the media in sustaining the campaign against smuggling.
“This fight is not against legitimate oil marketers. On the contrary, we are here to support lawful trade. We urge all marketers to continue their businesses without fear of harassment while we intensify our crackdown on economic saboteurs.” Ejibunu assured.
He described the success of Operation Whirlwind as a collective achievement, highlighting how its impact has stabilised fuel supply in Adamawa and curtailed illegal exports to neighbouring countries.
The Customs’ proactive approach has not only disrupted smuggling activities but also reinforced public confidence in its ability to protect Nigeria’s economic resources.
As Operation Whirlwind presses forward, its achievements stand as a testament to the effectiveness of determined and well-coordinated anti-smuggling strategies.
