Customs Seize Five Vehicles, Smuggled Petrol Worth N63m In Adamawa
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat smuggling in the country as the special team, ‘Operation Whirlwind’ has seized smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N63.036 million and five vehicles at unapproved routes between Adamawa State and the Republic of Cameroon. According to the Customs Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, the seizure was made possible by the team’s repositioning of its officers across its area of responsibility, making it difficult for economic saboteurs to carry out their smuggling activities. Adeniyi, represented by Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, noted that the success was in line with the core mandate of President Bola Tinubu. He said the seized PMS will be auctioned to the public immediately due to its inflammable nature, as provided in the NCS Act, 2023, and the Standard Operating Procedures. The proceeds from the auction will be remitted into the federation account. Adeniyi appreciated security agencies and other stakeholders for their support and cooperation and called on communities to provide useful information towards addressing the menace of smuggling. The federal government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Nigerians get what they deserve, with the product made for consumption in Nigeria not for smuggling. Mrs. Adewumi Aliko, Assistant Legal Adviser, Operation Whirlwind, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, warned that any person caught smuggling would face the full wrath of the law. She said the NCS’s efforts to combat smuggling are yielding positive results, with the seizure of N63m worth of smuggled fuel and vehicles being a significant blow to economic saboteurs. The service’s commitment to protecting the nation’s economy and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations is commendable. The support and cooperation of security agencies and other stakeholders have been instrumental in the success of Operation Whirlwind. The NCS’s call on communities to provide useful information towards addressing the menace of smuggling is a step in the right direction. The auction of the seized PMS will not only generate revenue for the government but also ensure that the product does not fall into the wrong hands. The NCS’s efforts to protect the nation’s economy and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations are ongoing, and the service remains committed to its core mandate.
Admin | 2025-05-24 22:43:36