.As CGC Authorises Public Auction at Subsidised Rate
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has again left a devastating blow on economic saboteurs, seizing large quantities of smuggled fuel.
Its operation Whirlwind team intercepted 34,470 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, along the Adamawa/ Taraba border corridors.
Acting on intelligence, the operatives seized 1,149 jerrycans of PMS along with a means of conveyance valued at ₦4 million, bringing the total duty-paid value of the confiscated items to ₦37.78 million.
The Comptroller General of Customs CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi
The Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this at a press briefing in Jalingo, Taraba State Capital, on Thursday, 13 March 2025, describing the operation as a strategic response to the growing sophistication of transnational smuggling networks.
“Our intelligence-led operations have revealed that this corridor is a strategic transit point for cross-border petroleum diversion. The economic implications extend beyond revenue losses; it disrupts supply chains, fuels artificial scarcity, and undermines regional security,” he said.
The CGC also issued a stern warning against internal collusion, stating, “We have intelligence that some officers and members of border communities are aiding smugglers. We will dig deeper into this and ensure that those involved face the full wrath of the law.
Comptroller of Customs, Adamawa/ Taraba Command, Garba Bashir
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to combating smuggling, the Comptroller of Customs, Adamawa/Taraba Command, Garba Bashir, emphasized the dangers of illicit trade.
“Smuggling weakens legitimate trade, encourages revenue loss, increases crime, and endangers our citizens. The operatives of Operation Whirlwind, under the leadership of the Comptroller General, have intensified efforts to dismantle these smuggling networks,” he said.
The Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu at the briefing
The Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, highlighted the efficiency of intelligence-led operations, revealing that the seizures were made within three hours.
“This is an intelligence-based operation, not one conducted at fixed checkpoints. The results you see today confirm that Taraba is being used as a conduit for smuggling,” he stated.He further urged community members to support the fight against smuggling, adding, “There is no hiding place for criminals. Anyone caught will be prosecuted. We urge the public to always say something, when they see something”.
To mitigate the effects of smuggling-induced fuel shortages, the Comptroller General of Customs directed that the seized petroleum products would be sold to citizens at a subsidized rate.
The National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada
