In a significant crackdown on fuel smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted over 69,375 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Adamawa and Taraba States. This operation marks one of the largest seizures under the ongoing "Operation Whirlwind.
Assistant Comptroller-General Hussain Ejibunu, representing Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi MFR, announced the development during a press briefing at the Customs Headquarters in Yola. He stated, "This briefing is to inform the public of recent breakthroughs in our operations against smuggling and economic sabotage within Zone D."
Over the past six weeks, Customs operatives seized 2,276 jerrycans of 25 litres of PMS and 19 jerrycans of AGO, totaling over 69,000 litres. The smuggled fuel was concealed for illegal export to a neighboring country and was intercepted across known smuggling routes, including Malabu–Belel, Girei–WuroBokki, Gurin–Fufore, Jam Terry, Maiha, Jimeta Waterside, and the Mubi–Sahuda axis. Two vehicles used for transporting the smuggled products were also impounded.
ACG Ejibunu issued a stern warning to individuals attacking Customs operatives during their lawful duties, stating, "The Service will not tolerate any form of aggression against its officers. Such acts are criminal and will be met with the full force of the law."
Comptroller Garba Bature Bashir, Customs Area Comptroller for Adamawa/Taraba Command, commended the officers' efforts under Operation Whirlwind. He emphasized that smuggling undermines economic growth, threatens national security, and erodes citizens’ welfare. "This fight is not for Customs alone, but a shared responsibility. With collaboration and intelligence sharing, we can defeat this menace," Bashir said.
Other dignitaries at the briefing included Deputy National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Ike Oladeji, and State Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Bashir Sirajo. Both officials commended the dedication of Customs officers and echoed the call for zero tolerance for violence against personnel.
In line with federal directives to alleviate fuel hardship, the NCS announced that the seized PMS would be resold to the public at ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan.
This operation underscores the NCS's commitment to combating smuggling and protecting Nigeria's economic interests.
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