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By Emmanuel Kwada
In a decisive move against economic sabotage, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated prosecution proceedings against two high-profile smugglers involved in the illicit petroleum trade in Adamawa State. This announcement was made by the Comptroller General of the NCS, Bashir A. Adewale, during a press conference held in Yola on Thursday, where he detailed the extensive efforts of the agency to combat smuggling and ensure the stability of fuel prices across the nation.
The two individuals, identified as key players in the petroleum smuggling network, are accused of undermining the federal government’s initiatives to guarantee product availability and maintain fairness in pricing. Despite their affluence and status within society, Adewale emphasized that the NCS remains committed to holding these economic saboteurs accountable, urging the media to closely monitor the ongoing prosecution.
We have seized over 1.7 million litres of petrol through various operations, which speaks volumes about our commitment to safeguarding our economy
Adewale expressed gratitude towards allied security agencies and the Nigerian public for their collaboration and intelligence-sharing, which have been instrumental in the recent successes against smuggling activities. He called for continued vigilance and cooperation to ensure that the fight against smuggling yields positive outcomes that benefit all Nigerians.
“The operation, known as Whirlwind, has been a remarkable success since its inception last year,” Adewale stated. “We have seized over 1.7 million litres of petrol through various operations, which speaks volumes about our commitment to safeguarding our economy.”
Adeniyi further emphasized that the recent prosecutions and seizures underscore the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring that essential commodities are available at regulated prices for the Nigerian populace. He reiterated that smuggling not only undermines the government’s revenue generation efforts but also poses significant risks to national security and economic stability.
We reported a total seizure of 1,716,656 litres of petroleum products for the year ended 2024
“In a clear demonstration of our sustained operational momentum, barely two weeks ago, we reported a total seizure of 1,716,656 litres of petroleum products for the year ended 2024,” he added. “It should be emphasized that these products, intended for domestic use, were being systematically diverted to neighbouring countries through illegal routes and waterways.
This pattern of economic sabotage continues to receive our resolute attention, and today, I am here to present yet another series of significant achievements in our efforts to effectively intensify border patrol operations and intelligence-driven interventions to protect our economy.”
The service has intercepted and seized 199,495 litres of petrol with a Duty Paid Value of N199,495,000 in Zone D, comprising Adamawa and Taraba States
He further stated that the service has intercepted and seized 199,495 litres of petrol with a Duty Paid Value of N199,495,000 in Zone D, comprising Adamawa and Taraba States. “Following intense intelligence-driven operations across the Zone ‘D’ Axis covering the Adamawa/Taraba Command, I am pleased to present details of our recent seizures under Operation Whirlwind,” he said.
“We successfully intercepted and seized a total of 199,495 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) being diverted through various concealment methods and smuggling techniques. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounts to One Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand Naira (N199,495,000).”
We successfully intercepted and seized a total of 199,495 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) being diverted through various concealment methods and smuggling techniques
In conclusion, Adeniyi reaffirmed the NCS’s resolve to continue its operations with increased vigilance and efficiency. He called on the public to support their efforts by providing information about smuggling activities and assured them that all reports would be treated with utmost confidentiality. The NCS remains committed to its mission of promoting lawful trade and enhancing the economic well-being of Nigeria through effective border management and enforcement of customs regulations.
As the prosecution of the two prominent smugglers unfolds, the NCS will keep the public informed of developments, aiming to set a precedent that deters others from engaging in similar activities and fostering a culture of compliance with the nation’s laws and regulations.