Nigerian Customs Seizes ₦22.9 Million in Fuel Smuggling Operation

The Nigeria Customs Service seized 916 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit worth ₦22.9 million during an operation against fuel smuggling in Adamawa State. The press conference on March 14, 2025, revealed the operation’s success in targeting notorious smuggling routes. National Coordinator Hussein Ejibunu stressed the importance of public awareness in combating smuggling activities and thanked Customs operatives for their dedication.

In a resolute campaign against fuel smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully seized 916 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at ₦22.9 million in Adamawa State. This operation, carried out by the strategic enforcement unit Operation Whirlwind, targeted notorious smuggling corridors in Maiha, Mubi, Gurin, and Belel, and was made public during a press conference on March 14, 2025.

Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, was represented by Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibunu, who revealed that the confiscated goods consisted of 22,900 litres of PMS with each keg containing 25 litres. Ejibunu highlighted that the success of this operation was due to intelligence-driven efforts, showcasing the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic integrity and adherence to trade protocols.

This latest operation follows another significant interception in Taraba State, where officials seized 1,149 jerrycans of PMS, amounting to 34,470 litres, just one day prior. The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind reiterated the agency’s determination to combat fuel smuggling, which undermines Nigeria’s economic stability and security.

Ejibunu also provided insights into the motivations behind PMS smuggling, linking it to economic disparities and quick profit opportunities. Under Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS is dedicated to dismantling these illicit networks, thus making such activities unprofitable and dangerous, while ensuring accountability for economic offenders.

In his closing remarks, Ejibunu expressed gratitude towards the operatives of Operation Whirlwind for their dedication and commitment, affirming, “I extend my profound appreciation to the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind for their courage, unyielding vigilance, and professional execution.” He called upon citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious smuggling activities to Customs, emphasizing the necessity of collective effort against economic sabotage.

The Nigeria Customs Service, through Operation Whirlwind, has made significant strides against fuel smuggling, exemplified by the recent seizure of 916 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit in Adamawa State. By targeting known smuggling routes and emphasizing intelligence-driven operations, the agency aims to reinforce Nigeria’s economic integrity. The collective involvement of citizens is urged to sustain their efforts in combating fuel smuggling and ensuring national economic stability.

Original Source: newscentral.africa