Nigerian Customs’ Operation Whirlwind Seizes N84.8 Million Worth of Smuggled Fuel Amidst Petrol Scarcity
Amidst an ongoing national scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to combat fuel smuggling along the Niger/Kwara border.
Operation Whirlwind, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and led by Comptroller Hussaini Ejibunu, has achieved significant results, seizing over 67,000 litres of PMS valued at N84.8 million within a single month.
Launched in May 2024, Operation Whirlwind seeks to curb the illegal flow of fuel from Nigeria to neighbouring countries, with the Niger/Kwara axis identified as a high-risk area for such activities.
Comptroller Ejibunu stated, “This exercise is crucial to conserving Nigeria’s resources and safeguarding our national security. The illegal smuggling of PMS out of the country through Kwara’s land borders has been significantly curtailed since the operation began.”
Chado Zakari, Public Relations Officer for the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, disclosed in a statement that during the month-long operation, NCS officers made several high-profile interceptions.
On September 17 and 18, a team led by Ejibunu along Gwanara, Kwara, seized a total of 99 kegs of 25 litres of PMS, with a duty-paid value of N2.97 million.
Similarly, on September 30, a team led by Chief Superintendent of Customs Waziri Mohammed intercepted 90 kegs of 25 litres of PMS worth N2.7 million along the Gure/Kusoboso route.
The most substantial seizures involved two tankers with registration numbers FST-524 XG and JJJ-14-XQ, each carrying 33,000 litres of PMS.
These trucks, intended for illegal export, carried a combined duty-paid value of N79.2 million. The cumulative value of all seized fuel amounts to N84.87 million.
Comptroller Ejibunu condemned the smugglers’ actions, which violate Sections 245 and 254 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023.
He issued a stern warning, saying, “We will continue to pursue these individuals with zero tolerance. People are suffering due to artificial scarcity, yet smugglers are attempting to profit by diverting essential resources outside our borders.”
One suspect connected to the smuggling activities was arrested and has since been granted administrative bail.
The seized tankers have been handed over to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA) for further investigation.
Ejibunu credited the success of Operation Whirlwind to the support of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the NCS management team, as well as the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders.
The operation has received backing from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).
“This achievement reflects the collective resolve of the Customs, security agencies, and industry stakeholders to put a definitive end to fuel smuggling. We urge those involved to desist or face severe consequences,” Ejibunu said.
