Operation Whirlwind Seize N48m Petrol In Adamawa State

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service special task force on petroleum products codenamed Operation Whirlwind has again recorded the seizure of a total of 41,425 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS), within the Adamawa/Taraba command of the service.

Some of the seized petrol on display

Coordinator of the Taskforce, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu who announced the seizure during a press briefing Wednesday, July 25, 2024 said the product packaged in 1,481 kegs and 20 drums has an estimated value over N48 million; and commended officers of the taskforce for being unremitting and focused.

“Today, we have another seizure of 1,481 Kegs and 20 drums of PMS, containing 25 litres each and 220 each litre respectively, which translates into 41,425 litres of PMS, together with nine (9) means of conveyance.

Confiscated means of conveyance

“With cumulative DPV of N48,547,500. These interceptions were made on different dates and locations across Mubi-Sahuda road, Girei-Wuro Boki axis, Maiha road, Agwuwa Tana- Bakin Kogi axis and other places within the zone.”

Apparently a leading smugglers nightmare, Ejibunu explained that the seizures were made in collaboration with NMDPRA, adding “our operatives monitored the supply and distribution chain right from the depot of loading up to the final destination (Retail Outlets) to ensure PMS reach its manifested destinations”.

Speaking on the mandate and progress of his taskforce, the anti-smuggling czar reaffirm the task of his operation to safeguard the country against unscrupulous traders who are bent at smuggling petroleum products out of the country.

Continuing his briefing, he said, “Just last week I did a press conference in Lagos, Kebbi and Calabar all in zones A, B & C respectively during which I showcased huge seizures of petroleum products. This is in continuation of our resolve to disrupt and dismantle the network of cartels/smugglers of Premium Motor Spirit.

“In line with the CGC’s mandate to curtail the smuggling and diversion of the PMS products, Operation Whirlwind has repositioned all its operatives across the frontiers despite all threats such as assault and harassment from the economic saboteurs as seen and witnessed in some social platforms.

“This will not hinder us from discharging our statutory duties. We will not relent in this fight until we bring smuggling activities to hold. To the patriotic Nigerians and the genuine oil Marketers, I want to bring to your notice that this fight is against the illicit oil marketers and the economic saboteurs as the team is out to facilitate legitimate trade as enshrined in the NCS Act, 2023.

“All legitimate oil marketers are encouraged to go out with their normal businesses without fear of molestation and confiscation of their products.”

While thanking the leadership of the service for its huge support to the taskforce to perform optimally, Ejibunu acknowledged the synergy and cooperation he has continued to receive from resident commands and their respective leaderships.

“The successes recorded so far are predicated on the enabling environment and the unwavering efforts of the Management of Nigeria Customs Service under the stewardship of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

“The cooperation and strong support from Adamawa/Taraba Area Command and other units of the service such as FOU ‘D’, CIU, and SIS alongside other security agencies equally played a vital role in this accomplishment.”

He reiterated the resolve of the customs service to combat to standstill all forms of illegal movement of petrol out of the country.

“On this note, we urge members of the PMS smuggling cartels to have a re-think and better go into legitimate businesses because we will continue to go after them as economic saboteurs, as there’s no place for their illegal activities.”