Operation Whirlwind: Nigeria Customs Intercepts 22,900 Litres of Smuggled Petrol Worth ₦22.9m in Adamawa
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its ‘Operation Whirlwind’ has announced the interception of smuggled 22,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol worth ₦22.9 million in Adamawa State.
The Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Comptroller Adeniyi revealed that the seizure was made at hotspots in Maiha, Mubi, Gurin, and Belel areas of the state, with each of the 916 kegs (25 litres) totalling 22,900 litres of petrol.
He described the operation as intelligence-driven and executed precisely, demonstrating the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s resources and ensuring compliance with trade regulations.
The Customs boss recounted that the agency seized 1,149 jerrycans (34,470 litres) of petrol in Gembu, Taraba State on Thursday, March 13, 2025, emphasising the Service’s determination to combat fuel smuggling, which continues to threaten Nigeria’s economy and security.
“The relentless efforts of Operation Whirlwind have once again yielded significant results. This interception is not just a victory for the Customs Service, but a testament to the effectiveness of our intelligence-driven approach and the supportive collaboration of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA),” he remarked.
The Comptroller acknowledged that the smuggling of petrol remains a major challenge driven by economic disparities and the lure of quick profits.
He reiterated that Customs under his leadership remains resolute in dismantling fuel smuggling networks, thereby making the trade unattractive and bringing economic saboteurs to justice.
Adeniyi also heaped praises on the officers involved in the operation, saying, “I want to commend the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind for their bravery, vigilance, and professionalism. Your dedication inspires confidence in our ability to protect Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.”
He further called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office while stressing the need for a collective effort to tackle smuggling and ensure economic stability.
Similarly, the Customs Area Controller of Adamawa/Taraba Command, Comptroller Garba Bashir, commended Operation Whirlwind’s efforts in curtailing the smuggling of petroleum products in the area.
Comptroller Bashir affirmed that the efforts have significantly assisted the Command in reducing fuel smuggling.
Grace Dauda, a representative of the NMDPRA, who was present at briefing lauded Customs for its determined fight against fuel smuggling.
Dauda sought the cooperation of other stakeholders and the people of Adamawa State in tackling the illicit trade.
She reiterated the commitment of both NMDPRA and the NCS to enforce government policies leveraging technology, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration to combat smuggling and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.
