Operation whirlwind targets five smuggling corridors, seizes 38.7K litres of PMS in zone D – Nat’l coordinator
By Mohammed Ismail
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 38,700 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, with a combined Duty Paid Value of N63.115 million, including a vehicle allegedly used to transport the products, in a six-week crackdown on suspected petroleum smuggling activities in Adamawa State.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind and Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during a press conference at the Customs House in Yola, where he briefed journalists on the operation’s latest enforcement achievements in Zone D.
related news
Customs seize 101 donkey skins, 36,835 litres of petrol in Adamawa, Taraba
Customs seize N72.6m worth of petrol in less than two weeks in Adamawa
Customs zone D seize petrol worth over N86m in Nov
Aliyu said the seizures followed intelligence-driven operations targeting identified smuggling flashpoints across the state, particularly routes suspected of being used to move petroleum products illegally across Nigeria’s borders.
He listed the affected corridors as Malabu-Belel, Girei-Wuro Bokki, Gurin-Fufore, Wuro Alhaji-Maiha and Mubi-Sahuda.
According to him, Customs operatives recovered 1,548 jerrycans of petrol, each with a capacity of 25 litres, bringing the total volume of the seized products to 38,700 litres.
According to him, one vehicle allegedly used to convey the petroleum products was also intercepted during the operations.
Aliyu put the aggregate Duty Paid Value of the seized petrol and the vehicle at N63,115,000.
The Customs official explained that the seizures resulted from actionable intelligence concerning suspected illegal petroleum movements along border corridors and other identified routes in Adamawa.
He said Operation Whirlwind remained committed to combating petroleum smuggling and other forms of illegal trade, protecting the national economy and safeguarding public safety.
The six-week enforcement drive, he added, was part of continuing efforts to disrupt the activities of smuggling networks and prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products out of the country.
He said the operation’s focus on several routes across Adamawa also underscores the importance of intelligence gathering and surveillance in identifying and intercepting suspected smuggling consignments.
Protecting domestic fuel supply
Aliyu warned that the smuggling and diversion of petroleum products could undermine efforts to maintain adequate domestic supply, particularly during periods of energy distribution challenges.
He stressed that petroleum products intended for the Nigerian market should not be illegally diverted across the country’s borders, noting that such activities could have adverse implications for the economy.
The operation, he said, would continue to pursue suspected smugglers in accordance with the law, with the aim of dismantling their networks and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
Aliyu reaffirmed Operation Whirlwind’s commitment to intensifying its campaign against petroleum smuggling and protecting the national economy.
