The Nigerian Customs Service, Zone C, which oversees the South-South region, has recorded significant achievements under its special operation, ‘Operation Whirlwind,’ by seizing 6,200 litres of premium motor spirit within the past month.
The effort is part of a broader initiative to combat the illegal fuel trade in the region.
‘Operation Whirlwind,’ launched in May 2024 by Comptroller General of Customs B.A. Adeniyi in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency, focuses on curbing the smuggling of petroleum products.
The National Coordinator of the operation, Comptroller HC Ejibunu, highlighted its impact during a briefing in Calabar on Wednesday.
He remarked that the initiative has made significant strides nationwide in seizing illegally transported PMS.
“This has maintained local fuel supplies, while also addressing economic sabotage linked to fuel smuggling,” he said.
Ejibunu further revealed that since the operation’s inception, 466,000 litres of PMS, worth approximately N380 million, have been intercepted.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by difficult terrains, floods, and other obstacles but emphasized that the unit remains steadfast in fulfilling its mission across the South-South region.
The NCS noted the operation’s role in stabilizing fuel prices nationwide and ensuring that petroleum products reach their intended destinations.
Ejibunu reiterated the importance of collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders in achieving these successes.
“In line with the three mandates of the CGC, which are ‘Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation,’ we also want to thank other agencies and critical stakeholders that have been assisting the unit to perform its duty optimally since a tree can’t form a forest,” he stated.
