The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded seizures worth N93.03 million in Adamawa State within six weeks under Operation Whirlwind, Zone ‘D’ Axis.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this at a news conference on Friday in Yola.
Aliyu, who was represented by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the operation aligns with efforts to safeguard food security, energy supply, and national stability in line with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Our gathering today is to showcase successes recorded through ongoing intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations aimed at disrupting syndicates,” he said.
According to him, the total Duty Paid Value of the seized items stands at N93,029,800.
He listed the items seized to include 64,410 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), concealed in 2,550 jerry cans of 25 litres each, as well as three drums of 220-litre capacity filled with PMS intended for illegal export.
Aliyu added that two vehicles used for conveying the products were also impounded.
He noted that within six weeks, the operation recorded 47 seizures across multiple locations, including Mubi-Sahuda, Farang-Belel, Gurin-Fufore, Maiha, Mubi, and Pariya-Wuro Bokki axis.
The coordinator further disclosed that operatives intercepted a DAF tanker conveying 50,000 litres of PMS along the Mubi-Uba road on April 15 over suspected diversion.
He said the tanker would be handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further investigation and action.
Aliyu explained that the seizures were made in line with provisions of Sections 150, 248, and 250 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as Section 226, which empowers operatives to patrol and apprehend smuggled goods.
He attributed persistent smuggling to price disparities of petroleum products between Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as Cameroon and Benin Republic.
“Despite deregulation, government remains committed to ensuring market stability, national security, and curbing illicit exportation of petroleum products,” he said.
Aliyu added that the seized PMS would be auctioned in accordance with the law, with proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.
He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and reducing illegal activities, while commending the Office of the National Security Adviser, NMDPRA, and other security agencies for their collaboration.
He also urged members of the public to support the fight against smuggling by providing credible information and called on the media to sensitise citizens on its negative impact on the economy and national security.
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