Customs’ ‘Operation Whirlwind’ busts fuel smuggling , seizes over 150,000 liters of PMS (Pictures)

June 11, 2024

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Customs’ ‘Operation Whirlwind’ busts fuel smuggling , seizes over 150,000 liters of PMS (Pictures)

Barely two weeks after the Nigeria Customs Service launched “Operation Whirlwind” to combat the illegal trade of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi announced significant progress in curbing PMS smuggling nationwide.

Addressing the press on Monday, June 10, 2024, in Yola, Adamawa State, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the strategic efforts to tackle fuel smuggling, supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

He stated that the initiative aims to protect the national currency, reduce economic pressures from smuggling activities, and dismantle smuggling cartels.

In the past two weeks, the Customs Service received credible intelligence indicating stability in PMS prices around border states, attributed to the disruption of smuggling operations.

“Within seven days, operatives intercepted 150,950 liters of PMS, valued at N105,965,391, across various locations. Notable seizures included a tanker with 45,000 liters of PMS in Mubi, Adamawa State, on May 31 and June 1, 2024”.

“Additional seizures of 92,928 liters occurred between June 3 and June 7, 2024, in Adamawa, Sokoto, and Cross River States”.

The CGC reported further significant seizures of 129,185 liters of PMS from individuals attempting to deprive Nigerians of fuel, valued at N90,558,685. The total diversion of 280,135 liters of PMS, worth N196,524,075.50, raises serious economic and national security concerns.

The CGC also noted an alarming increase in PMS smuggling across borders in Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states between April and May 2024.

To address this, the Customs Service is collaborating with the NSA to ensure Nigerians benefit from fuel price deregulation, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.

Significant increases in evacuations were recorded in Borno and Kebbi States, with Sokoto and Taraba States seeing the most substantial year-on-year increases.

See pictures below: