The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its offensive against fuel smuggling with the seizure of nearly 49,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and vehicles worth over ₦63 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV). The operation, carried out under Operation Whirlwind, targeted major smuggling routes in the northeastern corridor of the country.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Customs House in Yola, Adamawa State, on Friday, 23 May 2025, the National Coordinator of the operation, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Hussein Ejibunu, announced the seizure while representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He disclosed that 1,959 jerry cans containing the seized PMS were intercepted alongside five vehicles used for transporting the smuggled fuel. The interceptions took place along key smuggling routes, including Dasin-Fufore, Belel-Farang, Mubi-Sahuda, Maiha, and Girei-Wuro Bokki.
“Smugglers abandoned their vehicles and cargo on sighting our operatives in a desperate attempt to evade arrest,” ACG Ejibunu stated. He noted that the success of the operation was due to intelligence-led, coordinated enforcement across Zone ‘D’.
He emphasized that the operation supports the Federal Government’s efforts to safeguard the nation’s economy and resources under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Customs Comptroller-General.
According to him, the dismantling of illegal fuel supply chains will help reduce scarcity, stabilize fuel prices, and enhance national security. “This is our contribution to preserving national resources and ensuring economic resilience,” he added.
In line with Section 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the seized petroleum products will be auctioned immediately, with the proceeds paid into the Federation Account.
ACG Ejibunu also called for increased collaboration with border communities and urged traditional leaders to sensitize and engage local youth to shun smuggling, which he described as an act of economic sabotage.
“The fight against smuggling requires a collective effort. Customs alone cannot do it; we need the cooperation of communities, the media, and all stakeholders,” he said.
He commended the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command. He also acknowledged the vital cooperation of other security agencies in the success of the operation.
