The Nigeria Customs Service has begun selling seized Petroleum Motor Spirit confiscated by its Operation Whirlwind in Adamawa State.
Speaking at a briefing in Yola, Customs boss Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Controller General of Enforcement, Olaniyi Olajogun, issued a stern warning to smugglers of national resources, urging them to desist or face severe legal consequences.
The fuel, totalling 94,550 litres worth N75,450,900, was confiscated by Operation Whirlwind, a security initiative aimed at tackling fuel smuggling along Nigeria’s borders.
Customs Controller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Olaniyi Olajogun, highlighted the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in combating this issue and expressed confidence in addressing the national challenge effectively.
He stated that Operation Whirlwind, launched in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), continues to make strides in curbing the illegal exportation of petroleum products.
The latest is the seizure of 2 trucks of 33,000 litres capacity each, filled with PMS intended, 1,046 Jerricans of 25 litres capacity each, filled with PMS intended to be smuggled and 12 drums of 200 litres capacity each.
The Customs boss added that one suspect had been apprehended in connection with these smuggling activities.
“As we continue to make progress, I urge all stakeholders to continue to support our efforts. We cannot achieve success alone, it requires the collective action of law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and citizens. We call on all the residents of Adamawa and other border states, to support this operation. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in our collective effort to safeguard our nation’s resources and ensure that the benefits of fuel price deregulation are fully realized by all Nigerians”
Motorists in Adamawa State are overwhelmed by the long queues at filling stations following the Nigeria Customs Service’s auction of seized fuel. Many are voicing concerns over the negative economic impact of the federal government’s subsidy removal, exacerbating fuel scarcity and further straining household finances.
National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Controller Hussein Kajibunu, reiterates their commitment to combating smuggling activities, noting that it is an act of economic sabotage that will be dealt with decisively.
The first significant seizures of Operation Whirlwind were recorded at 150,950 litres valued at N105.965.391.