Rita Odafe
The Nigeria Customs Service’s Operation Whirlwind has reported the confiscation of 94,550 litres of petrol.
This petrol was intercepted primarily at the nation’s international borders and was believed to be intended for illegal export.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, announced this in Yola, Adamawa State on Wednesday, highlighting that these seizures are part of ongoing anti-smuggling efforts that began after his media briefing in June.
During a press conference on June 10, 2024, the CGC revealed that the newly established operation had already confiscated 150,950 litres of petrol, worth approximately N105,965,391, from various locations nationwide.
Represented by Deputy Controller General Olaniyi Olajugun at the recent event, the CGC emphasized that this latest round of seizures showcases the customs service’s commitment to combatting the smuggling of petrol from Nigeria.
“Today, we reiterate our successes in Operation Whirlwind against those undermining our industrial growth,” stated the CGC.
At the press gathering in Yola’s Customs Area Command, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Controller Hussein Keinde, remarked that this event marks another significant achievement in the battle against economic sabotage.
“Smuggling is detrimental to our economy, and we rely on intelligence to dismantle smuggling networks,” he stated.
Bashir Kafur, the Adamawa State Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), warned dishonest petrol dealers by stating, “We need to ensure that Adamawa’s resources are available for its residents, not exported illegally.”
He cautioned, “Marketers caught trying to divert products will face business closures. We are closely monitoring your activities and urge you to abandon any diversion plans.”
Images of some of the petrol containers that were intercepted by Customs, which were suspected to be intended for illegal export.
The Adamawa/Taraba Area headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service.
