In response to ongoing fuel scarcity, the Operation Whirlwind team along the Niger/Kwara axis seized 76,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N84.8 million within a month, intensifying efforts to curb illegal fuel smuggling. The seized PMS was auctioned to the public as part of the operation’s measures to ensure fuel accessibility.
Operation Whirlwind, launched in May 2024, is coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). Led by Comptroller Hussaini Ejibunu, the initiative aims to deter PMS smuggling, which has significantly drained Nigeria’s resources and threatened national security. “Our teams, comprising enforcement officers and Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) members in the Niger/Kwara area, have recorded multiple seizures and arrests,” Ejibunu reported.
Notable interceptions include the confiscation of 38 and 61 kegs of 25 liters of PMS on September 17 and 18, respectively, along the Gwanara axis, intended for smuggling into Benin Republic. These seizures alone had a duty-paid value of N2.97 million. Similarly, on September 30, 2024, around Gure/Kusoboso, customs officers led by Chief Superintendent Waziri Mohammed intercepted 90 kegs of PMS worth N2.7 million.
Two trucks carrying 33,000 liters each, with registration numbers FST-524 XG and JJJ-14-XQ, were also seized while attempting to smuggle PMS out of the country. The duty-paid value for these trucks was N79.2 million.
In total, the duty-paid value of all seizures in the past month amounted to N84,870,000. The actions of these smugglers contravene Sections 245 and 254 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023, and Comptroller Ejibunu issued a stern warning to offenders: “People are suffering due to artificial scarcity, while these smugglers continue exploiting the situation. We will not tolerate such actions and will continue to make arrests.”
The customs team has partnered with stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA), and industry groups like IPMAN and DAPPMAN, to strengthen the fight against fuel smuggling. Two seized tankers have been handed over to NMDPRA for further investigation, and one suspect has been arrested and granted administrative bail in connection with these activities.
“We achieved this significant milestone thanks to the leadership and support of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the management team,” Ejibunu added.
