By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through its Operation Whirlwind has intercepted a total of 20,500 liters of smuggled petroleum products and five vehicles used in conveying the seized items.
Briefing Journalists at the Customs Training School in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, the national coordinator, Deputy Comptroller, Lucky Aliyu, disclosed that the seizures of premium motor spirit (Petrol), was made across various flash points around Ilaro, Imeko, Idi-Iroko, Badagry, Owode, Ajilete and other areas.
According to Aliyu, a total of 820 jerry-cans of PMS, each containing 25 litres each, amounting to 20,500 liters was seized as well as five vehicles used as means of conveyance were seized by the operatives for being prepared for illegal export to neighbouring countries in violation of the nation’s petroleum distribution regulations.
Aliyu said the consignments were intercepted through intelligence-driven operations across major smuggling flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme-Badagry corridors
The Customs chief said the public auction was made in line with legal provisions to return the seized products into the legitimate domestic supply chain while ensuring transparency and accountability
The national coordinator emphasized that there was no safe haven or hiding place for smugglers and economic saboteurs as the operatives of the Service will continue to disrupt all their illegal activities, reducing it to the barest minimum.
On the instruction of the Comptroller General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi the petroleum products were immediately auctioned to the public.
He warned petroleum smugglers that Operation Whirlwind would continue to deploy surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations to dismantle criminal networks threatening Nigeria’s energy security and government revenue.
“Petroleum smuggling undermines economic stability, distorts supply chains and fuels criminal activities. We remain committed to identifying, intercepting and dismantling all networks involved in the illegal diversion of petroleum products.
“Let this exercise serve as a clear warning to all individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products. Operation Whirlwind remains intelligence-driven, proactive, and uncompromising in its resolve,” he said
He called on members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to keep supporting security agencies by providing accurate and timely information. Combating smuggling, he said, “is a shared responsibility, and their cooperation is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.”
According to him, “petroleum smuggling remains a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security. It deprives the government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain, encourages artificial scarcity, fuels criminal enterprises, and undermines the gains of ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector. The Nigeria Customs Service will therefore continue to confront these criminal activities with unwavering determination.’
He added that in line with legal provisions and their commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized PMS is being disposed of through this public auction with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to guarantee transparency, accountability, and integrity, in the disposal process.
Aliyu acknowledged the invaluable leadership and strategic guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser, under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whose unwavering commitment to inter-agency cooperation, he said, “has greatly enhanced the operational effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind.
The National Coordinator also applauded the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its technical proficiency and regulatory oversight, which help ensure that enforcement measures adhere to best practices while effectively addressing weaknesses in the distribution network.
He also appreciated the efforts and support of the Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for their exceptional leadership, steadfast support, and commitment to providing the resources and policy direction that continue to strengthen Operation Whirlwind across all operational zones.
Aliyu also saluted the dedication of officers and personnel of Operation Whirlwind, along with their partner agencies. He commended their professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment have made the interception possible and continue to thwart the efforts of smugglers and economic saboteurs across the country.
“Let this exercise serve as a clear warning to all individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products. Operation Whirlwind remains intelligence-driven, proactive, and uncompromising in its resolve. We shall continue to identify, intercept, investigate, and dismantle all smuggling networks operating within and around our borders,”
