Customs Crack Down on PMS Smugglers in Adamawa, Intercept 916 Kegs Worth N22.9 Million

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 916 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N22.9 million in Adamawa State.

The seizure was executed under Operation Whirlwind, a specialised task force targeting fuel smuggling, and marks another significant success in the agency’s ongoing efforts to curb the illegal trade of petroleum products.

The interception was carried out at key smuggling flashpoints in Maiha, Mubi, Gurin, and Belel. The announcement was made during a press briefing on 14 March 2025 by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Hussein Ejibunu.

According to ACG Ejibunu, the seized 916 kegs, each containing 25 litres of PMS, totalled 22,900 litres. He described the operation as intelligence-driven and precisely executed, underscoring the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s resources and ensuring strict compliance with trade regulations.

“This interception is not just a victory for the Customs Service but a testament to the effectiveness of our intelligence-driven approach and the supportive collaboration of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA),” Ejibunu stated.

The latest seizure follows a similar major interception in Taraba State. On 13 March 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, alongside members of his management team, announced the confiscation of 1,149 jerrycans of PMS in Gembu, Taraba State—amounting to 34,470 litres.

Ejibunu emphasised that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in tackling fuel smuggling, which continues to undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and security.

“The relentless efforts of Operation Whirlwind have once again yielded significant results,” he said. “Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, the Nigeria Customs Service remains determined to dismantle fuel smuggling networks, make the trade unattractive, and bring economic saboteurs to justice,” he said.

He praised the officers involved in the operation, highlighting their bravery, vigilance, and professionalism. “I want to commend the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind for their dedication and courage. Your efforts inspire confidence in our ability to protect Nigeria’s economic sovereignty,” he added.

Ejibunu also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office. He stressed that tackling smuggling requires collective effort, urging citizens to play an active role in preserving the country’s economic security.

The Customs Area Controller for Adamawa/Taraba, Comptroller Garba Bashir, also commended the success of Operation Whirlwind. He noted that the sustained efforts of the task force have significantly reduced fuel smuggling in the area, contributing to greater economic stability.

In her remarks, Grace Dauda, a representative of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its determined fight against fuel smuggling.

She reaffirmed the commitment of NMDPRA and the Nigeria Customs Service to enforcing government policies through the use of technology, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration to combat smuggling and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.