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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed that its recently launched “Operation Whirlwind” to combat cross-border fuel smuggling has already yielded significant results, with a total of 153,157,560 million worth of Premium Motor Spirit ( PMS) was seized in large quantities.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this at a press conference organized by the NCS in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
He noted that since the operation began on May 28, 2024, the operation had made 27 seizures and detected smuggling networks in Badagry and Adamawa.
The CGC, which was represented at the event by the Deputy Comptroller-General for Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Olaniyi Olajogun, said:
The NCS is also working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited to strengthen its efforts against fuel smuggling.
He said notable seizures by the NCS included two trucks with a capacity of 33,000 liters filled with PMS, 1,046 jerry cans with a capacity of 25 liters filled with PMS, and 12 drums with a capacity of 200 liters filled with PMS, all smuggled. It added that this includes those aimed at
He said one suspect has been arrested in connection with these smuggling activities and is being remanded in custody at the NCS, Abuja.
According to the CGC, the NCS is also working with stakeholders such as the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and security agencies to combat fuel smuggling¹. Industry stakeholders such as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the Warehousing and Petroleum Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) are also committed to supporting the venture.
He said the NCS reaffirmed its commitment to reinvigorate cooperation with the NNPC to effectively combat fuel smuggling2. The Inspector General of Customs stressed the need for continued efforts in the fight against smuggling and said the NCS would spare no effort to combat the menace.
The CGC said that despite the progress made to date, the NCS faces challenges to continuing operations, including financial constraints, and therefore appealed for financial cooperation to support the operation.
He further disclosed that the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has blamed oil smuggling for Nigeria’s economic woes, including the instability of the naira¹. He stressed that combating smuggling is important to solving the country’s economic challenges.
“The NCS called on stakeholders to continue supporting efforts to combat fuel smuggling. The success of the operation depends on collective action and cooperation between law enforcement, community leaders, and citizens. ”
“NCS will work with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of customs regulatory compliance. This initiative is aimed at building a stronger and more resilient economy.”
“Stakeholders have been working to develop sustainable anti-smuggling strategies, including strengthening the legal framework to combat fuel smuggling.
“Nigeria Customs’ Operation Whirlwind has made significant progress in the fight against fuel smuggling. With continued cooperation and engagement from stakeholders, this operation is poised for further success, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s economic stability. ” he said
Daji Sani
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