Ejibunu Lockdown Fuel Smuggling Ring, Confiscates 49,000Ltrs PMS

…Vows to Run Economic Saboteurs Out of Town

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its anti-smuggling operations in Nigeria’s northeastern corridor, intercepting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and vehicles with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦63 million.

This success was recorded through Operation Whirlwind, a targeted enforcement drive against the smuggling of PMS outside Nigeria. Announcing the seizure during a press briefing at the Customs House in Yola, the Adamawa State Capital, on Friday, 23 May 2025, the National Coordinator of the operation, Assistant ComptrollerGeneral of Customs (ACG), Hussein Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the outcome as a clear result of intelligence-led and coordinated enforcement within Zone ‘D’.

He disclosed that 1,959 jerry cans, amounting to nearly 49,000 litres of PMS, were intercepted along with five vehicles used in their conveyance. The seizures were made along well-known smuggling routes, including Dasin-Fufore, Belel-Farang, Mubi-Sahuda, Maiha, and Girei-Wuro Bokki.

“Smugglers fled upon sighting Customs operatives, abandoning their illicit consignments in their desperate bid to evade arrest,” ACG Ejibunu said. He added that the operation aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic protection goals under the guidance of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

He emphasised that dismantling illegal fuel supply chains curbs scarcity stabilises market prices, and strengthens national security. “This is our contribution to safeguarding national resources and fostering economic resilience,” he said.

In line with Section 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the flammable petroleum products will be auctioned immediately, and the proceeds will be paid into the Federation Account.

The anti-smuggling czar also called for deeper collaboration with border communities and encouraged traditional rulers to engage the youth meaningfully and dissuade them from smuggling activities, which he described as acts of economic sabotage.

“The fight against smuggling is not for Customs alone. It requires the partnership of communities, media, and all stakeholders.”

While appreciating the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Ejibunu also acknowledged sister agencies of government for their unwavering cooperation in the cause of the operation.