The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made significant strides in its fight against the illegal trade of petroleum products with “Operation Whirlwind.” Launched two weeks ago, the operation aims to curb PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) smuggling across Nigeria’s borders. Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi announced the early successes of the initiative during a press conference on Monday, June 10, 2024, in Yola, Adamawa state.

Addressing the media, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the strategic efforts of the NCS, supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser, to tackle fuel smuggling. The initiative aims to protect the national economy by reducing the activities of smugglers and dismantling their networks.

“In the past two weeks, we have received credible intelligence on the relative stability of PMS prices around the border states, which can be attributed to the disruptions in the operations of smugglers,” stated CGC Adeniyi.

The operatives, working tirelessly, have seized a total of 150,950 litres of PMS valued at N105,965,391 across various locations nationwide within just seven days. Highlighting the significant seizures, Adeniyi noted, “On Friday, May 31, 2024, a tanker carrying 45,000 litres of PMS was seized in Mubi, Adamawa State. Similarly, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, another tanker with 45,000 litres of PMS was intercepted in the same location.”

Between June 3 and June 7, 2024, the operation continued its success with the interception of 92,928 litres of PMS in 25-litre jerry cans at various points including Mubi, Song-Wuroboki, Mubi-Sahuda road, Gidan Madara-Sahuda road in Adamawa state, as well as Illela in Sokoto and Agbaragba creek in Mfum border of Cross River State.

The CGC also reported additional seizures of 129,185 litres of PMS from individuals attempting to create fuel shortages and economic disruptions, valued at N90,558,685. The total diversion of 280,135 litres of PMS, worth N196,524,075.50, poses serious economic and national security concerns.

Adeniyi lamented the increased smuggling activities across the borders of Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states from April to May 2024. To combat this, the NCS is working closely with the National Security Adviser to develop lasting solutions that ensure Nigerians benefit fully from fuel price deregulation in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.

“Between April and May 2024, Borno and Kebbi states recorded 76% and 59% increases in fuel evacuations, ranking among the top three states. On a year-on-year basis from May 2023 to May 2024, Sokoto and Taraba states saw the most substantial increases in evacuations, with 247% and 234% increases, respectively,” the CGC reported.

The ongoing efforts of Operation Whirlwind underscore the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and ensuring fuel accessibility for all citizens.