In a recent press conference held in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, officials from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) shared updates on their efforts to combat fuel smuggling through Operation Whirlwind. Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi emphasized the operation’s remarkable early achievements, reporting the seizure of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at around N153.157 million.
Deputy Comptroller-General Olaniyi Olajogun, who oversees enforcement, inspection, and investigations, represented Adeniyi during the briefing. He noted that since the operation’s launch on May 28, 2024, a total of 27 seizures have taken place, revealing smuggling networks in both the Badagry and Adamawa regions.
Adeniyi provided details on some noteworthy seizures, including two trucks, each with a 33,000-liter capacity, along with 1,046 jerrycans (25 liters each) and 12 drums (200 liters each), all filled with PMS intended for illegal distribution. The NCS has also apprehended one suspect connected to these activities, who is currently in custody in Abuja.
Furthermore, the NCS has actively collaborated with various stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser, the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency, and other security agencies, to strengthen their efforts against fuel smuggling. Industry groups, such as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Petroleum Tanker Drivers, and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), have also expressed their commitment to support the operation.
