By Emmanuel Kwada
In a significant crackdown on fuel smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Operation Whirlwind, stationed in Adamawa and Taraba States, announced the seizure of illicit petrol worth N86,517,570 in November 2024.
The announcement was made during a press briefing on Wednesday in Yola, where the team detailed the operations that led to these substantial findings.
Comptroller H.K. Ejibunu, the Team Coordinator, attributed these successes to the relentless efforts and teamwork of the Customs operatives. “The achievements we’ve recorded are a testament to our uncompromising stance against smuggling and our dedication to protecting the economy,” Ejibunu stated.
The haul includes a staggering 1,124 jerry cans of petrol, with capacities of 25, 40, and 60 litres each, alongside 53 drums, each holding 200 litres of petrol
The haul includes a staggering 1,124 jerry cans of petrol, with capacities of 25, 40, and 60 litres each, alongside 53 drums, each holding 200 litres of petrol. In addition, two fuel tankers carrying 21,000 litres of petrol, totaling 71,965 litres, aimed at illegal transportation to the Republic of Cameroon, were also intercepted. Furthermore, five vehicles and two motorcycles linked to smuggling operations were seized during the enforcement activities.
According to Ejibunu, “out of the 14 fuel tankers intercepted, 13 were handed over to NMDPRA in Yola while one was handed over to NMDPRA in Taraba State for continued inter-agency action.”
It is evident that the anti-smuggling crusade of Operation Whirlwind has allowed Adamawa State to witness a stable and sufficient supply of PMS
“It is evident that the anti-smuggling crusade of Operation Whirlwind has allowed Adamawa State to witness a stable and sufficient supply of PMS, reducing scarcity and price instability,” he emphasized.
The Coordinator, however, urged patriotic Nigerians and genuine oil marketers that the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to facilitating legitimate trade, stressing that this “fight is against the illicit oil marketers and the economic saboteurs.”
He encouraged all legitimate oil marketers to continue with their normal business without fear of harassment or seizure of their products. Speaking earlier, the Comptroller of the Adamawa and Taraba States Command, Garba Bashir, said smuggling activities have significantly harmed the economic growth of the country and called for collective efforts to combat the menace.
