From Umar Dankano, Yola
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), under the Operation Whirlwind team, has intercepted smuggled Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N81,517,570 in the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command.
Addressing journalists in Yola on Wednesday, Comptroller Hussein K. Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, disclosed that the seizures occurred between October and November 2024.
The seized items include PMS stored in various containers, vehicles, motorcycles, and two fuel tankers carrying over 71,000 liters of fuel intended for smuggling into neighboring Cameroon.
Ejibunu noted that the team intercepted 14 fuel tankers suspected of product diversion and handed 13 of them over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Yola, with one transferred to Taraba State. He added that one suspect linked to smuggling activities is currently facing prosecution.
He emphasized that these efforts, supported by inter-agency collaboration and strict enforcement, have helped stabilize PMS supply in Adamawa State while curbing economic sabotage.
Ejibunu also confirmed that the seized PMS would be auctioned immediately after the press briefing due to its inflammable nature, with proceeds remitted into the Federation Account as stipulated by the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The Comptroller revealed that Operation Whirlwind has generated over N500 million through auctions of seized PMS since its inception, reinforcing the team’s commitment to combating smuggling and promoting legitimate trade.
He urged Nigerians and genuine oil marketers to support the Customs Service in its fight against economic saboteurs and reiterated the agency’s dedication to protecting the nation’s economy.