Operation whirlwind records N93m seizures of smuggled PMS in Adamawa
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on smuggling activities in Adamawa State, recording significant seizures worth over N93 million within six weeks under its special enforcement unit, Operation Whirlwind.
Speaking at a press conference held Friday at the Customs House in Yola, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller A.L Aliyu, who represented the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the operation is part of a broader strategy to safeguard Nigeria’s food and energy security while strengthening national stability.
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Aliyu explained that Operation Whirlwind, particularly in Zone ‘D’ axis, has been repositioned to confront smuggling networks through intelligence-driven operations and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies.
According to him, the renewed strategy has yielded tangible results in disrupting illegal activities across key border corridors in Adamawa.
“In just six weeks, we recorded 47 seizures across multiple smuggling flashpoints with a total duty paid value of N93,029,800,” he disclosed.
According to him, the seized items include; 64,410 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, stored in 2,550 jerry cans of 25 litres each, alongside three drums of 220 litres capacity adding that two vehicles used in conveying the products were also confiscated.
He said the interceptions were carried out across several strategic locations, including the Mubi-Sahuda axis, Farang-Belel, Gurin-Fufore corridor, Maiha, Mubi, and Pariya-Wuro Bokki routes; areas identified as major smuggling channels.
Aliyu stated that the seizures were not made in violation of relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, emphasizing that officers operated within the legal framework empowering them to patrol, intercept, and confiscate smuggled goods.
In a related development, the Customs also intercepted a used DAF fuel tanker loaded with 50,000 litres of PMS along the Mubi-Uba road in the early hours of April 15.
According to Aliyu, the tanker was suspected to be involved in product diversion and will be handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further action in line with inter-agency collaboration protocols.
The Customs official attributed the persistence of fuel smuggling to price disparities between Nigeria and neighboring countries.
He noted that while PMS sells for about N1,330 per litre in Nigeria, the price rises significantly to approximately N2,196 in Cameroon and N1,709 in the Benin Republic.
“This wide price gap continues to fuel smuggling activities. A smuggler transporting 60,000 litres of PMS across the border could make a profit margin exceeding N51 million,” he said, describing the trend as a major economic threat.
He further warned that smuggling syndicates are well-organized and deeply entrenched, with sophisticated networks and multiple transit routes designed to evade law enforcement. However, he assured that Operation Whirlwind remains committed to countering every tactic employed by smugglers.
“We will not relent until smuggling activities are reduced to the barest minimum in Adamawa and across the country,” Aliyu stated.
He also announced that the seized petroleum products would be auctioned to the public in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, with proceeds to be remitted into the Federation Account.
Aiyu further disclosed that the operation has successfully prevented resources that could potentially fuel insecurity from leaving the country.
He commended the leadership of the NCS, the Office of the National Security Adviser under Nuhu Ribadu, and the NMDPRA for their support and collaboration.
He also acknowledged the contributions of officers from the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command and other security agencies, as well as community stakeholders.
He called on members of the public to support the anti-smuggling campaign by providing timely information, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“The fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility. With the support of the media and the public, we can protect our economy and ensure national security,” he added.
