The Nigeria Customs Service has announced a revenue of over N500 million generated from operations targeting petroleum smugglers across the country.
This figure was achieved by the newly inaugurated special task force, Operation Whirlwind, in its bid to tackle the persistent smuggling of petroleum products.
Speaking at a press conference in Yola on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Controller Husaini Ejibunu, disclosed that the team seized Premium Motor Spirit worth over N86.7 million during sting operations conducted between October and November in the Adamawa and Taraba states command.
Ejibunu revealed that the task force intercepted 14 fuel tankers, with 13 handed over to the National Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulations Agency in Yola and one in Taraba State.
The collaboration between the NCS and other agencies, he said, has been instrumental in the fight against smuggling.
“The success of these operations is due to the relentless, uncompromising, and collaborative efforts of our operatives. With the support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi Bashir, particularly in logistics and operational conditions, we are determined to curb smuggling activities and cage the perpetrators,” Ejibunu stated.
Ejibunu highlighted the impact of the task force’s efforts on the local economy, noting that Adamawa State has experienced a stable and sufficient supply of PMS, reduced scarcity, and stabilized fuel prices.
“Our anti-smuggling crusade has brought about significant improvements in the availability of petroleum products in the region, discouraging illegal trade and price manipulation,” he added.
The National Coordinator also announced plans to auction the seized PMS to the public, with proceeds remitted into the Federal Government’s account.
This measure, he noted, is part of the NCS’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while protecting the nation’s economic interests.
In his remarks, the Controller of the Adamawa and Taraba States Command, Controller Garba Bashir, reiterated the NCS’s commitment to tackling smuggling activities.
He assured the public of the command’s unwavering determination to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and economy.
