In view of the consequences caused by the economic saboteurs against the citizens, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi, has intensified its crackdown on fuel smuggling, seizing nearly 200,000 litres of petroleum products in Adamawa State under Operation Whirlwind.
Announcing the latest development in Yola, Comptroller-General of Customs Adeniyi condemned smugglers’ continued sabotage of Nigeria’s energy sector by describing their actions as a direct assault on the economy.
“Despite the well-articulated economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to stabilise the energy sector, some unpatriotic elements remain determined to undermine these efforts through complex smuggling operations.” CGC Adeniyi said.
According to him, intelligence-driven operations by NCS officers in the Adamawa/Taraba Command led to the interception of 199,495 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), adding that, “the operatives of Operation Whirlwind had successfully seized fuel, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦199,495,000, being smuggled across borders using tankers, jerry cans, and drums.”
The CGC also detailed the tactics used by smugglers, including night-time river crossings at Dasin Waterways, illegal storage facilities near border towns, and concealment in unauthorised dispensing points.
“These economic saboteurs are determined to inflict hardship on law-abiding Nigerians, but let it be clearly understood that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect our national economy.” He stated.
According to him, Customs operatives carried out targeted interceptions at strategic smuggling routes, including Mova, Dasin, the Galamba-Song axis, and the Mubi-Maiha corridor.
The CGC, however, assured Nigerians that the NCS would continue to adapt its strategies, strengthen intelligence gathering, and collaborate with security agencies to close in on smugglers, adding “There will be no safe haven for them within our operational areas.”
In his closing remarks, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance and Administration, ACG Hussain Ejibunu, praised the Customs chief for his leadership and the officers’ dedication.
He also highlighted the importance of public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
ADC FELLOWS, a political movement committed to the development, protection and advancement of democracy in…
BY EMMY YOUNG Anambra-born billionaire businessman and philanthropist, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu, Ikemba Idemili, has…
CYRIACUS IZUEKWE A 27-year-old man, Ovie Michael, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ojo Magistrate…
The Head of the Women’s Wing of Africa Blue Economy Roundtable - ABER, Barr. Sophie…
UGOCHUKWU UGWUANYI People are usually skeptical of organisations - a disposition that lingers until they’ve…
CYRIACUS IZUEKWE A 28-year-old man, Idris Kelani, has been remanded in prison following his arraignment…