Customs Push Systematic Dismantling of Fuel Smuggling Along Adamawa/Taraba Borderline

BY FUNMI ALUKO

In a gradual, focused but determined strides, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)  appeared to have locked down every pathways and channels unrepentant economic sabotuers in the nation, especially in parts of the North East where petroleum products, particularly gasoline, known locally as petrol or Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) are been smuggled out of the country in unbelievable large quantity.

While listing Adamawa and Taraba as notorious outlets for the criminal economic activity, the systematic dismantling of the smuggling route along the states border lines has been particularly encouraging as the NCS special task force codenamed Operation Whirlwind has cut off virtually all the busiest flashpoints, putting to flight the smugglers and arresting and confiscating hundreds of fuel filled jerrycans  enroute the border lines for onward crossing into neighbouring countries.

Just last week, the NCS intercepted 34,470 litres of smuggled PMS along the Adamawa and Taraba border corridors. Acting on intelligence, men of Operation Whirlwind seized a total of 1,149 jerrycans of PMS along with a specially modified transport vehicle valued at ₦4 million, with a total duty-paid value (DPV) of ₦37.78 million.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi while briefing the press in Jalingo, Taraba State Capital, on Thursday, 13th March 2025, described the interception as strategic response to the growing sophistication of transnational smuggling networks.

Speaking on the seizure, Adeniyi said, “Our intelligence-led operations have revealed that this corridor is a strategic transit point for cross-border petroleum diversion. The economic implications extend beyond revenue losses it disrupts supply chains, fuels artificial scarcity, and undermines regional security.”

The CGC who said the NCS will maintain its zero tolerance for the odious economic sabotage hinted on internal collusion and warned on dire consequences if caught.

“We have intelligence that some officers and members of border communities are aiding smugglers. We will dig deeper into this and ensure that those involved face the full wrath of the law.”

In a renewed crackdown along the identified and suspected locations, men of  Operation Whirlwind  barely 24 hours interval, again swooped on new areas within identified border communities Adamawa State, intercepting another 916 kegs of PMS valued at ₦22.9 million.

National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Hussein Ejibunu who made this know Saturday, 14 March 2025 while briefing newsmen said the seizures carried out at key flashpoints in Maiha, Mubi, Gurin, and Belel; stated that each of the arrested keg, containing 25 litres brings the total quantity to 22,900 litres. 

ACG Ejibunu described the operation as intelligence-driven and executed precisely, demonstrating the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s resources and ensuring compliance with trade regulations.

“The relentless efforts of Operation Whirlwind have once again yielded significant results. This interception is not just a victory for the Customs Service but a testament to the effectiveness of our intelligence-driven approach and the supportive collaboration of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA),” he said.

Ejibunu explained that the smuggling of PMS remains a major challenge as it creates economic disparities following its smuggling by undesirable elements whose sole desire is to make quick profits.

He said that however, given the CGC’s unbendable disposition to ending the brisk business, the effort to a near total dismantling of all structures supporting its smuggling networks will be pulled down, making the trade unattractive while also bringing those involved to justice when caught.

While commending the officers and men involved in the operation for their bravery, vigilance, and professionalism; he assured them that the leadership and management of the NCS is happy about their commitment and dedication to the national assignment to protect Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.

Speaking further on the successes of the task force, Ejibunu said, “This is an intelligence-based operation, not one conducted at fixed checkpoints. The results you see today confirm that Taraba is being used as a conduit for smuggling.

“There is no hiding place for criminals. Anyone caught will be prosecuted. We urge the public: if you see something, say something. To mitigate the effects of smuggling-induced fuel shortages, the Comptroller General of Customs directed that the seized petroleum products would be sold to citizens at a subsidized rate”, he said.

Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller for Adamawa/Taraba, Comptroller Garba Bashir expressed gratitude to the CGC and the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind for its aggressive response to the menace of fuel smuggling.

So far, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) represented by Grace Dauda, has also praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its determined fight against fuel smuggling, even as she called for the cooperation of other stakeholders and the affected states.

She reaffirmed the commitment of both NMDPRA and the Nigeria Customs Service to enforce government policies—leveraging technology, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration to combat smuggling and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.