In a decisive move against smuggling activities in Nigeria’s northeastern corridor, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday announced the seizure of petroleum products and vehicles valued at over N63 million during a five-week special operation in Adamawa State.
The operation, codenamed Operation Whirlwind, was unveiled during a press briefing held at the Customs House in Yola.
The National Coordinator of the operation, Assistant Comptroller General HK Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the success is a testament to intelligence-driven and collaborative enforcement efforts by operatives in Zone ‘D’.
“The goal of suppressing smuggling activities in this zone has yielded huge success,” ACG Ejibunu said, disclosing that the total duty paid value of the seizures stood at N63,046,750.
The confiscated items include 1,959 jerry cans of petrol, amounting to nearly 49,000 liters, alongside five vehicles used to convey the smuggled fuel. The seizures were made at various unapproved routes, including Dasin-Fufore, Belel-Farang, Mubi-Sahuda, Maiha, and Girei-Wuro Bokki.
Ejibunu explained that the smugglers fled upon sighting the enforcement team, abandoning their consignments in an attempt to escape arrest. He noted that the operation was aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring energy and food security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“This operation is geared towards fostering economic growth. By disrupting the illicit supply chains, we are not only curbing fuel scarcity and price instability, but also safeguarding national security,” he added.
The seized petrol, due to its flammable nature, will be auctioned immediately, following the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. Proceeds from the auction are to be paid into the federation account. The Customs official also called on border communities to strengthen their collaboration with law enforcement by providing timely intelligence and urged community leaders to dissuade youths from engaging in smuggling, which he described as economic sabotage.
Addressing the media, Ejibunu praised their role in amplifying the anti-smuggling message and emphasized the need for continued support. “The fight against smuggling is not a one-man business. It requires collective vigilance and synergy.”
He expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for their support.
He also acknowledged the backing of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command and sister security agencies in ensuring the operation’s success.
THE GUARDIAN
