The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 34,470 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Adamawa-Taraba border corridors, dealing a major blow to transnational smuggling networks. Acting on credible intelligence, Customs operatives seized 1,149 jerrycans of PMS along with a specially modified transport vehicle valued at ₦4 million, bringing the total duty-paid value of the confiscated items to ₦37.78 million.
Addressing journalists in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, described the operation as a strategic response to the growing sophistication of fuel smuggling.
“Our intelligence-led operations have confirmed that this corridor serves as a major transit point for cross-border petroleum diversion. The economic impact extends beyond revenue losses; it disrupts supply chains, fuels artificial scarcity, and threatens regional security,” Adeniyi stated.
The Customs boss also issued a stern warning against internal collusion, revealing that intelligence reports indicate some officers and border community members are aiding smugglers.
“We will dig deeper into these activities and ensure that those involved—whether civilians or security personnel—face the full wrath of the law,” he warned.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to combating illicit trade, the Comptroller of Customs, Adamawa/Taraba Command, Garba Bashir, underscored the dangers of fuel smuggling.
“Smuggling weakens legitimate trade, encourages revenue loss, increases crime, and endangers our citizens. Under the leadership of the Comptroller General, Operation Whirlwind has intensified efforts to dismantle these criminal networks,” Bashir said.
The Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussaini Ejibunu, highlighted the efficiency of intelligence-led interventions, revealing that the entire operation lasted only three hours.
“This is not a random checkpoint seizure but a well-planned intelligence-based operation. The results confirm that Taraba is being used as a conduit for fuel smuggling,” Ejibunu stated.
He urged community members to support the fight against smuggling, warning that offenders will be prosecuted.
“There is no hiding place for criminals. Anyone caught will face the full force of the law. We urge the public: If you see something, say something,” he added.
To mitigate the effects of fuel smuggling on local communities, the Comptroller General of Customs has authorised the sale of the seized PMS at a subsidised rate to citizens. The initiative aims to counteract smuggling-induced fuel shortages and ensure that legitimate consumers benefit from the recovered products.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its resolve to tighten border security, intensify intelligence gathering, and collaborate with other security agencies to combat fuel smuggling and other economic crimes.
