The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it recorded seizures valued at ₦93.03 million in Adamawa State within a six-week period under Operation Whirlwind, Zone ‘D’ Axis.
The National Coordinator of the operation, Abubakar Aliyu, revealed the development during a news conference held in Yola on Friday. He explained that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at curbing smuggling activities and protecting critical national resources.
Aliyu, who was represented at the briefing by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, noted that the operation supports efforts to safeguard food security, ensure stable energy supply, and maintain national stability, in line with the policy direction of Bola Tinubu.
He stated:
“Our gathering today is to showcase successes recorded through ongoing intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations aimed at disrupting syndicates.
“The total Duty Paid Value of the seized items stands at N93,029,800.
“The Items seized include; 64,410 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS popularly called Petrol) concealed in 2,550 Jerry Cans of 25 litres each.
“Also three drums of 220 litres capacity of PMS, intended to be smuggled out of the country with two vehicles used for conveyance,” he said.
According to him, the operation achieved 47 separate seizures across several locations, including Mubi-Sahuda, Farang-Belel, Gurin-Fufore, Maiha, Mubi, and Pariya-Wuro Bokki axis. In addition, operatives intercepted a DAF tanker transporting 50,000 litres of PMS along the Mubi-Uba road on April 15 over suspected diversion.
Aliyu disclosed that the tanker would be handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further action.
He explained that the seizures were made in line with the provisions of sections 150, 248, and 250 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as section 226, which empowers operatives to patrol and seize illegal goods.
Aliyu attributed the persistence of smuggling activities to the price differences of petroleum products between Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as Cameroon and Benin Republic, noting that these disparities continue to incentivize illegal exportation.
“Despite deregulation, government remains committed to ensuring market stability, national security and curbing illicit exportation of petroleum products,” he said.
He further stated that the seized petroleum products would be auctioned in accordance with the law, with proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Aliyu said the Customs Service remains focused on dismantling smuggling networks and reducing illegal activities across the country.
He also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NMDPRA, and other security agencies for their collaborative efforts, while urging members of the public to support the fight against smuggling by providing credible and timely information.
The media, he added, also has a role to play in raising awareness about the economic and security implications of smuggling activities.
