Customs intercepts N93m worth of petrol in Adamawa
Nigeria Customs Service Reports ₦93 Million in Seizures in Adamawa Under Operation Whirlwind
YOLA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of goods valued at ₦93.03 million in Adamawa State over the past six weeks as part of its Operation Whirlwind, Zone ‘D’ Axis.
Mr. Abubakar Aliyu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, shared these findings at a news conference on Friday, with remarks delivered by Comptroller-General Dr. Bashir Adeniyi. Aliyu noted that the operation aims to bolster food security, energy supply, and national stability, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate.
“This gathering is to highlight the successes achieved through our intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations, which target syndicates engaged in illegal activities,” Aliyu stated. He detailed that the total Duty Paid Value of the seized items amounts to ₦93,029,800.
Among the confiscated items are 64,410 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) — commonly referred to as petrol — concealed in 2,550 jerry cans of 25 liters each, along with three drums of 220 liters intended for smuggling out of the country, and two vehicles utilized for transportation.
In the past six weeks, the operation has recorded significant seizures across various locations, including Mubi-Sahuda, Farang-Belel, Gurin-Fufore, Maiha, Mubi, and the Pariya-Wuro Bokki axis. Notably, operatives intercepted a DAF tanker carrying 50,000 liters of PMS along the Mubi-Uba road on April 15, suspected of being diverted. The tanker will be transferred to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further investigation.
The recent successes stem from targeted intelligence operations against smuggling syndicates, conducted in compliance with relevant laws. Aliyu noted that these seizures violate sections 150, 248, and 250 of the NCS Act, 2023. Additionally, he emphasized that operatives acted within the boundaries of section 226 of the same Act, which grants authority to patrol and seize goods as needed.
Aliyu attributed ongoing smuggling activities to significant price disparities of petroleum products between Nigeria and neighboring countries, such as Cameroon and the Benin Republic. He urged that despite the deregulation of the market, the government is dedicated to ensuring market stability, national security, and reducing illicit exportation of petroleum products.
The seized petrol is slated for auction in accordance with legal guidelines, with proceeds directed to the Federation Account. Aliyu expressed the NCS’s commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and minimizing illegal activities.
He also recognized the collaboration of the National Security Adviser’s office, NMDPRA, other security agencies, and stakeholders in these efforts. Aliyu encouraged the public to support the fight against smuggling by providing timely and credible information to security agencies and called on the media to educate the public about the adverse effects of smuggling on the economy and national security.
