Operation Whirlwind has seized 67,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at approximately N84.8 million along the Kwara-Niger border.
The seized PMS was subsequently auctioned to the public, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing illegal fuel trade.
Chado Zakari, spokesperson for the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, confirmed the operation’s success in a statement issued in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Launched in May 2024, Operation Whirlwind is a collaborative initiative by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to curb the illegal exportation of petroleum products.
According to Zakari, “In the face of widespread fuel scarcity, Nigeria’s Operation Whirlwind has made a significant impact in the fight against fuel smuggling.”
Comptroller Hussaini Ejibunu, who leads the operation, noted that since its inception, Operation Whirlwind has significantly reduced PMS smuggling along Kwara’s borders, helping preserve national resources and strengthen security.
“People are suffering due to artificial scarcity, yet smugglers are profiting by taking these products outside the country.
“They either desist or face arrest,” Ejibunu warned.
“In a series of enforcement actions, officers intercepted 99 kegs of PMS along the Gwanara area on September 17 and 18, valued at N2,970,000.
“Another 90 kegs, worth N2.7 million, were seized around the Gure/Kusoboso axis on September 30.
“Notably, two tankers carrying 66,000 liters of PMS with registration numbers FST-524 XG and JJJ-14-XQ, valued at over N79 million, were also intercepted.
“The seized fuel was auctioned to various stakeholders, including security agencies such as the Immigration Service, Police, DSS, EFCC, Army, NDLEA, NCoS, and NSCDC, as well as the public.”
Comptroller Ejibunu also revealed that a suspect connected to the smuggling operations was apprehended and granted administrative bail.
Expressing appreciation for Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s support, Ejibunu assured that the operation would continue to clamp down on fuel smugglers.
“This action sends a strong warning to smugglers,” he stated.
“The seized tankers have since been handed over to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA) for further investigation,” he said.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
