Operation Whirlwind: Customs Boss, Adeniyi, Set To Copt Navy, Civil Defence Corp

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

Seized kegs of fuel

In the bid to expand the scope of the outreach of Operation Whirlwind, a special task force established by the Nigeria Customs Service charged with stemming the tide of the smuggling of refined premium motor spirit (PMS) across the country, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi currently hinted of bringing onboard the task outfit, the Nigeria Navy and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Dropping the hint during a press briefing at the Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja to showcase the seizure of over 245,370 liters of PMS valued at over NGN238 million by operatives of the task force, Adeniyi explained that the idea is to expand the its operational outreach, some of which lies within the jurisdiction of the navy and civil defence; hence it provides the possibility to exerts greater control and effective checkmate in line with the objective of further enhancing national security in the area of the criminal sabotage in the proper distribution of fuel.

The customs boss who also outlined identified routes within the zone notorious for criminal diversion of fuel outside Nigeria, expressed optimism that the collaboration will achieve greater results in the protection of the allocation and distribution of domestic fuel.

“Let me reemphasize that the successful implementation of Operation Whirlwind highlights the critical importance of strategic inter-agency collaboration in addressing complex national security challenges. This collaborative framework, championed by the National Security Adviser and vigorously supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, characterizes the administration’s proactive stance on security governance.

“The President’s directive on preemptive response to early warning signals of security threats has fundamentally transformed our operational approach, enabling seamless intelligence sharing and coordinated tactical responses across security and regulatory agencies.

ACG Ejibunu addressing the challenge of fuel smuggling across the border lines

“Our partnership with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and support from ONSA has enhanced our operational effectiveness through intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement actions, and harmonized strategic planning.

“Moving forward, we intend to expand this collaborative framework to include additional stakeholders, particularly the Nigerian Navy for enhanced maritime domain awareness, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for critical infrastructure protection, and border communities for improved intelligence gathering.”

Continuing, the customs helmsman said: “We acknowledge that sustained success in this operation requires continuous adaptation and enhancement of our tactics. Consequently, we will be implementing the following strategic initiatives in the coming weeks.

CGC Adeniyi showcasing seized fuel

“The deployment of advanced surveillance technology along identified high-risk corridors, establishment of additional tactical response teams with specialized training in petroleum products interdiction, enhanced community engagement programs to foster greater cooperation from border communities and implementation of an intelligence-driven risk assessment framework to optimize resource allocation.”

Adeniyi farther explained that the expanded specialized task force visibility in all frontiers makes the task simpler and more efficient; with the greater prospects for higher results in stemming the menace; declaring that the present task force has the mandate and capability to contain the challenge.

“Let me be clear: there will be no safe haven for smugglers in our operational areas. We shall maintain this momentum and continue to adapt our strategies to counter the dynamic tactics of these economic saboteurs. We will deploy additional resources and adopt even more stringent measures to ensure that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption are secured for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

ACG Ejibunu speaking on the performance of his task force team during a recent showcase of seized protroleum products with their means of conveyance

Commending the effort of officers and men involved in the anti-fuel smuggling assignment, Adeniyi said they have been focused, and up and doing.

“I must commend the dedication and courage of the Operation Whirlwind team in Zone A, and indeed all officers deployed to Operation Whirlwind across the nation. Their vigilance, integrity, and commitment to duty is commendable in the face of significant operational challenges and risks.”

Established in May 2024 to protect  Nigeria’s valuable resources and foster a safer and more secure environment for its citizens, Operation Whirlwind is primed against dismantling  all fuel smuggling networks  to ensure  the product reaches its intended destinations.

While the former Unit Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu with an impressive credential in anti-smuggling operations was appointed the pioneer National Coordinator, the special task force is on record to have performed satisfactorily; as it succeeded in significantly conatining the threats of fuel smuggling to national security.

In view of his impressive successes, industry, courage, focus and commitment, even upon attaining the rank of an Assistant Comptroller General, ACG Ejibunu was proudly retained as the elite task force national coordinator.

The proposed additional synergy with the Nigerian Navy and Civil Defence is expected to further curtail the menace of the economic threats posed by the evil of fuel smuggling and intensify national security mapping by closing all identified, porous locations within our sovereign boundary and the sub region.