Nigeria Customs Service Confiscates ₦22.9 Million in Smuggled Fuel

The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted 916 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit valued at ₦22.9 million during an operation in Adamawa State. This effort, led by Operation Whirlwind, illustrates the agency’s commitment to combating fuel smuggling, a threat to Nigeria’s economic stability. Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibunu praised the Operation’s effectiveness and urged public involvement in reporting suspicious activities.

In its ongoing battle against fuel smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully intercepted 916 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at ₦22.9 million in Adamawa State. This operation was executed by Operation Whirlwind, targeting notorious smuggling routes in areas such as Maiha, Mubi, Gurin, and Belel, with details announced during a press conference on March 14, 2025.

The intercepted contraband consisted of 22,900 litres of PMS, with each keg holding 25 litres. Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibunu, representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the operation’s intelligence-driven approach and its success as a key reflection of NCS’s commitment to maintaining economic integrity and enforcing trade regulations.

This significant operation not only follows an earlier seizure of 1,149 jerrycans of PMS on March 13, 2025, in Gembu, Taraba State, but also highlights the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat the economic threat posed by fuel smuggling. Ejibunu reiterated NCS’s commitment to eradicating smuggling, which undermines national security and economic stability.

Ejibunu identified economic disparities and the potential for quick profits as primary motivators for PMS smuggling. He assured that under Comptroller-General Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS will continue to dismantle these networks, making smuggling a risky and unprofitable endeavor while holding perpetrators accountable.

In his remarks, Ejibunu commended the dedication of Operation Whirlwind’s personnel, stating, “I extend my profound appreciation to the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind for their courage, unyielding vigilance, and professional execution.” He encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to Customs, stressing the need for collective effort in the battle against economic subversion.

The Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating fuel smuggling through recent operational successes, including the seizure of large quantities of Premium Motor Spirit. The efforts of Operation Whirlwind highlight the importance of intelligence-driven actions and the collective vigilance of both the NCS and the public in preserving Nigeria’s economic integrity. By addressing the motivations behind smuggling and maintaining resolute enforcement, the NCS aims to safeguard the nation’s resources and stability.

Original Source: newscentral.africa