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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its anti-smuggling initiative, Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted 38,700 litres of petrol in Adamawa State, with the seized products and a vehicle allegedly used to transport them valued at N63.115 million.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, made disclosure during a press briefing at the Customs House in Yola. He said the seizures followed six weeks of intelligence-led operations targeting suspected petroleum smuggling networks across the state.
Aliyu said the operation resulted in the recovery of 1,548 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), known as petrol, each containing 25 litres, bringing the total volume to 38,700 litres. A vehicle allegedly used to convey the petroleum products was also intercepted.
According to him, the aggregate duty-paid value of the seized petrol and the vehicle was N63,115,000, describing the operation as part of sustained efforts to prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.
He noted that the seizures were made at five identified smuggling corridors; Malabu-Belel, Girei-Wuro Bokki, Gurin-Fufore, Wuro Alhaji-Maiha and Mubi-Sahuda.
The Customs coordinator explained that the interceptions followed actionable intelligence on suspected illegal petroleum movements, with operatives deployed to locations identified as hotspots for smuggling activities.
He said the enforcement exercise was designed to disrupt suspected smuggling networks and prevent petroleum products meant for domestic consumption from being diverted to neighbouring countries.
He warned that the illegal diversion of petrol could undermine efforts to maintain adequate domestic supplies and create additional pressure on the country’s energy distribution system.
He reaffirmed that Operation Whirlwind would sustain its crackdown on petroleum smuggling and other forms of illicit trade, adding that the service remained committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and safeguarding public safety
