Customs Initiates Operation Whirlwind To Tame Fuel Smuggling

THE FUNMI ALUKO

The executive management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has set a special anti-fuel smuggling unit known as Operation Whirlwind to combat and contain smuggling of petroleum products across the national land borders.

A statement made available by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, SC Abdullahi Maiwada disclosed the establishment of the tactical team will protect the nation’s economy from the adverse effects of smuggling petroleum products by economic saboteurs and unscrupulous elements.

The statement reads: “The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, on Thursday, 22 May 2024, in Abuja, inaugurates a workshop for a newly formed tactical team, Operation Whirlwind, aimed at combating the smuggling of Petroleum Products to the neighbouring countries.

In his opening remarks, the Customs boss emphasised the crucial role the team will play in protecting the nation’s economy from the adverse effects of smuggling petroleum products, declaring that “Economic saboteurs must be brought to justice”, adding:

“Over the years, we have rebuilt the service to an enviable height, our revenue is increasing, and our targets have also increased. However, if we are not significantly impacting the Nigerian economy, then we must do better.”

The workshop, held at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC) is designed to equip the Operation Whirlwind team with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively curb smuggling, particularly of petroleum products diverted to neighbouring countries.

Highlighting the significance of the workshop and the strategic importance of the new operation, the CGC explained that it is different and very strategic and must not be mistaken with regular checkpoints that often succumb to internal departmental weaknesses.

“This is not a task force or the setting up of checkpoints. This is an intelligence-driven operation that will support the political will at the highest level. Our dedication and loyalty must not be compromised. There will be serious consequences against whoever acts against this mission. There is zero tolerance for sabotage.”

Stressing the need for collaboration and unity among the officers, he said, “You were selected because you can do the job. Your coordinator’s record is impeccable, and your assignment can’t succeed without you working as a team.

“You are to complement the existing structure. You are not going as competitors; you are going to fight people sabotaging our efforts.”

The Director of Legal Services is scheduled to educate the team on the proper procedures for filing seizures, ensuring that all legal aspects of their operations are handled correctly.

The inauguration of Operation Whirlwind marks a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against smuggling and economic sabotage.

As the team prepares to embark on their mission, the CGC hinted on what the expectation are, which is to protect Nigeria’s economic interests with unwavering dedication and integrity.