Nigeria Customs Clamps Down on Fuel Smugglers, Seizes 199,495 Litres in Adamawa
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 199,495 litres of smuggled petroleum products in Adamawa State, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy.
The crackdown, executed under Operation Whirlwind, was announced in Yola by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who condemned the activities of fuel smugglers as a direct assault on Nigeria’s energy sector.
Speaking on the development, CGC Adeniyi decried the persistence of unpatriotic individuals who, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms aimed at stabilising the energy sector, continue to engage in illicit trade.
“Despite the well-articulated economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to stabilise the energy sector, some unpatriotic elements remain determined to undermine these efforts through complex smuggling operations,” he stated.
According to the Customs boss, intelligence-driven operations by officers in the Adamawa/Taraba Command led to the interception of 199,495 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at N199,495,000 in Duty Paid Value (DPV).
He further disclosed that smugglers attempted to move the fuel across the border using tankers, jerry cans, and drums, but were swiftly intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind.
CGC Adeniyi shed light on the sophisticated methods deployed by smugglers, including the use of night-time river crossings at Dasin Waterways, illegal storage facilities near border towns, and clandestine dispensing points.
“These economic saboteurs are determined to inflict hardship on law-abiding Nigerians, but let it be clearly understood that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect our national economy,” he affirmed.
To counter these illicit activities, Customs operatives conducted targeted interceptions at critical smuggling routes, including Mova, Dasin, the Galamba-Song axis, and the Mubi-Maiha corridor.
Reiterating the agency’s commitment to combating fuel smuggling, CGC Adeniyi assured Nigerians that the NCS would continue refining its strategies, enhancing intelligence gathering, and strengthening collaborations with other security agencies.
“There will be no safe haven for them within our operational areas,” he declared.
In his closing remarks, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance and Administration, ACG Hussain Ejibunu, commended the leadership of CGC Adeniyi and the unwavering dedication of Customs officers.
He further urged the public to play an active role in curbing fuel smuggling by reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
With this latest success, the NCS reinforces its determination to disrupt smuggling networks and uphold economic stability, ensuring that petroleum products meant for local consumption do not fall into the hands of economic saboteurs.
