Customs Operation Whirlwind Seizes Over 41,000 Litres of PMS
In a significant stride towards ensuring success of its anti-smuggling campaign within Nigerian borders, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Yola Command, has recorded remarkable achievement.
Addressing the press at the Customs House in Yola on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Comptroller Husseini Kolawole Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind highlighted recent achievements in the ongoing fight against the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across Nigeria’s borders.
Comptroller Ejibunu reflected on the progress made since the launch of Operation Whirlwind on May 31, 2024.
He said the operation, which aims to combat the illegal trade of PMS, has already seen notable success, noting that the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) had previously announced a combined seizure of 280,135 liters of PMS, valued at over 195.5 million naira.
Continuing this momentum, Ejibunu detailed the extensive efforts made across various zones.
According to him, recent press conferences in Lagos, Kebbi, and Calabar (zones A, B, and C) have similarly highlighted substantial seizures of petroleum products, underscoring the nationwide scope of this campaign.
The latest milestone, revealed at the Yola headquarters, included the seizure of 1,481 kegs and 20 drums of PMS, totaling 41,425 liters.
These were intercepted along critical smuggling routes, including Mubi-Sahuda road, Girei-Wuro Boki axis, Maiha road, and Agwuwa Tana-Bakin Kogi axis.
Ejibunu disclosed that the confiscated goods, along with nine means of conveyance, have a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of 48.5 million naira.
Operation Whirlwind is a collaborative effort involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
This synergy ensures thorough monitoring of PMS supply and distribution from depots to retail outlets, guaranteeing that products reach their intended destinations.
Despite facing threats and harassment from economic saboteurs, Ejibunu reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Whirlwind to its mission.
He reassured patriotic Nigerians and legitimate oil marketers that the campaign targets illicit activities, encouraging them to continue their lawful businesses without fear.
The successes of Operation Whirlwind, according to Ejibunu, are attributed to the supportive environment created by the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the cooperative efforts of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command and other security agencies.
Ejibunu concluded with a stern warning to those involved in PMS smuggling, urging them to reconsider their actions and pursue legitimate businesses.
He assured that the fight against the illegal exportation of Nigeria’s PMS would persist unabated.
“On this note, we urge members of the PMS smuggling cartels to have a re-think and better go into legitimate businesses because we will continue to go after them as economic saboteurs, as there’s no place for their illegal activities. The illegal exportation ofNigeria’s PMS to our neighbouring countries will not be tolerated by Nigeria customs service,” said Ejibunu.
