Customs unrelenting in fight against fuel smuggling network as operation whirlwind seizes 34,470/litres 

…Reads riot act to some officers, locals collaborators 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) of about 34,470 litres which equals 30,0000 litres tanker along the Adamawa and Taraba border corridors.

Acting on intelligence, the operatives seized 1,149 jerrycans of petrol along with a specially modified transport vehicle valued at ₦4 million, bringing the total duty-paid value of the confiscated items to ₦37.78 million.

Speaking at a press briefing in Jalingo, Taraba State Capital, on Thursday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, described the operation as a strategic response to the growing sophistication of transnational smuggling networks. “Our intelligence-led operations have revealed that this corridor is a strategic transit point for cross-border petroleum diversion. The economic implications extend beyond revenue losses it disrupts supply chains, fuels artificial scarcity, and undermines regional security,” he said.

CGC Adeniyi

CGC also issued a stern warning against internal collusion, stating, “We have intelligence that some officers and members of border communities are aiding smugglers. We will dig deeper into this and ensure that those involved face the full wrath of the law.”

Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to combating smuggling, the Comptroller of Customs, Adamawa/Taraba Command, Garba Bashir, emphasised the dangers of illicit trade. “Smuggling weakens legitimate trade, encourages revenue loss, increases crime, and endangers our citizens. The operatives of Operation Whirlwind, under the leadership of the Comptroller General, have intensified efforts to dismantle these smuggling networks,” he said.

The Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussaini Ejibunu, highlighted the efficiency of intelligence-led operations, revealing that the seizures were made within three hours. “This is an intelligence-based operation, not one conducted at fixed checkpoints. The results you see today confirm that Taraba is being used as a conduit for smuggling,” he stated.

He further urged community members to support the fight against smuggling, adding, “There is no hiding place for criminals. Anyone caught will be prosecuted. We urge the public: if you see something, say something.”

To mitigate the effects of smuggling-induced fuel shortages, the Comptroller General of Customs directed that the seized petroleum products would be sold to citizens at a subsidised rate.

During the briefing, a Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) representative, Grace Dauda, praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its determined fight against fuel smuggling. She called for the cooperation of other stakeholders and the people of Adamawa State. She reaffirmed the commitment of both NMDPRA and the Nigeria Customs Service to enforce government policies—leveraging technology, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration to combat smuggling and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.