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By Steve Agbota
In a week-long operation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Operation Whirlwind Task Force Team has seized 20,100 litres of petrol with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N18 million. The strategic breakthrough, made across key flashpoints in Ogun State, highlighted the heightened vigilance and precision of the taskforce in curbing the illicit activities of smugglers in the region.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Comptroller Husseini Ejubunu, the Coordinator of the Operation Whirlwind Team, Zone ‘A’ Axis, commended his officers for their unwavering commitment. Ejubunu noted that the interception, which took place within just seven days of regrouping the team, demonstrates the renewed vigour and dedication of the officers in combating smuggling activities, particularly the illegal diversion of petroleum products.
Providing a breakdown of the operations, Ejubunu highlighted how the team intercepted 804 kegs, each containing 25 litres of PMS, from various locations across Ogun State. The operation was executed following intelligence-driven efforts that identified smuggling hotspots. In addition to the seized petroleum products, five vehicles used as means of conveyance were impounded during the operations.
Comptroller Ejubunu stressed the significant economic implications of smuggling activities, particularly the smuggling of petroleum products, which are heavily subsidized by the government. He reiterated that these acts of economic sabotage not only deplete the nation’s revenue but also undermine the government’s efforts to stabilize the petroleum market.
“The activities of these economic saboteurs are a direct threat to the economic growth and prosperity of our nation. The illicit trade in petroleum products weakens our economy and deprives the government of much-needed revenue for national development.
“It also affects the wellbeing of Nigerian citizens, as these illegal operations contribute to fuel shortages and price hikes.”
Ejubunu further emphasised that the Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, is working tirelessly to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the fight against smuggling. “All hands must be on deck to fight these common enemies of the state,” he urged, adding that smugglers have no hiding place as the NCS intensifies its crackdown on illegal trade routes.
He issued a stern warning to smugglers, stating that the NCS will not relent in its efforts to root out illegal activities. “To the smugglers, my message is simple: there is no hiding place for you. It’s time to embrace legitimate trade or face the full wrath of the law,” Ejubunu warned.
He also acknowledged the critical role of intelligence gathering in the success of the operation. “The renewed vigour of our officers, combined with actionable intelligence, has enabled us to comb flashpoints more effectively. We will continue to deploy advanced intelligence techniques to outsmart these economic saboteurs.”
This latest interception comes on the heels of a similar operation carried out by the NCS just weeks earlier. On July 26, 2024, Operation Whirlwind announced the seizure of 31,740 litres of PMS, with a DPV of N25 million, further cementing the Task Force’s reputation for efficiency and effectiveness.
Ejubunu expressed confidence that the Customs Service would continue to record successes in the fight against smuggling, particularly in border regions like Ogun State, which have long been hotbeds for illegal cross-border activities.
“With every interception, we send a clear message that the NCS is fully committed to protecting the nation’s economy from the destructive activities of smugglers. We will continue to collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure that smuggling is stamped out and that legitimate trade flourishes,” he concluded.
As the Nigerian government intensifies efforts to combat smuggling, particularly in critical sectors like petroleum, the role of agencies like the NCS remains paramount. With rising global energy prices and the ongoing fuel subsidy reforms, the fight against fuel smuggling has taken on new urgency. The NCS, through initiatives like Operation Whirlwind, is leading the charge in safeguarding Nigeria’s resources.
This most recent interception of 20,100 litres of PMS is a testament to the ongoing efforts of the Customs Service to disrupt the activities of smugglers and protect Nigeria’s economic interests. The government, stakeholders, and security agencies must continue to work together to address the root causes of smuggling and ensure that resources meant for national development do not fall into the hands of economic saboteurs.
