EJIBUNU RUNS PETROL SMUGGLERS IN N/W OUT OF BIZ; AS WHIRLWIND OPERATION INTERCEPTS N125 MILLION WORTH OF PMS
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
The Customs Whirlwind Team charged with nipping petrol smuggling in the bud nationwide is not resting on its oars as it has taken its fight to the interior of Kebbi state intercepting no less than 125,000 litres of petrol with Duty paid value (DPV) put at more than N125 million.
National Co-ordinator of the Operation, Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu disclosed to newsmen in kebbi today. He described the feat as another ‘another milestone in our mission to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s critical resources’
Smuggling of PMS poses significant danger to the Nigerian cconomy including revenue loss, distortion of trade statistics, artificial scarcity of PMS, threat to national security and undermining government policies.
According to him, the most recent intervention highlights the unwavering and tireless commitment of officers and men of Operation Whirlwind Team, the Command and FOU B’ officers, the strength of intet-agency collaboration in ensuring the security of our borders and the preservation of our national economy. It is pertinent to note that this is the first time a seizure of this magnitude has been made in a single operation. It is a single largest seizure made since the begihning of operation Whirlwind.
During a strategic operation based on credible intelligence by CIU conducted at Tsamiya area of Kebbi State, which was under surveillance for a couple of days, our diligent operatives in conjunction with the Kebbi Area Command and FOU B’ intercepted the following; Three (3 Scania Trucks with registration numbers; BC-7184RB (Republic of Birnin), laden with 766 Jerrycans of 25 liters of PMS and 18 drums of 200 liters each of PMS.
AT- 2457RB (Republic of Birnin), laden with 1,454 Jerry cans of 25 liters of PMS and drums of 200 liters of PMS.
BV-6240RB (Republic of Birnin) laden with 1,350 Jerry cans of 25 liters of PMS and 18 drums of 200 liters cach of PMS. Furthermore, the team had already seized about 805 kegs of 25 liters of PMS at various flash points within the Zone such as Dolekeina, Zaria kalakala, Tunga water-side, Lolo Tsamiya.
The grand total of all the seized PMS in Jerry-cans amounts to 4,375 liters at 25 liters each while the 54 drums amount to 10,800 liters at about 200 liters per drum.
The total seizure in liters amounts to 125,000 liters with DPV of one hundred and twenty-five million naira (N125,000,000)
These items were poised to be smuggled out of the country through illicit border routes. The operation prevented these critical resources, which are essential to the daily lives of Nigerian citizens and our industries, from being diverted to neighbouring countries in a manner that undermines our economy and endangers energy scarcity.
This success is a testament to the core synergy and collaboration among Operation Whirlwind, the oflice of the National security adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream
Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The coordinated efforts of these esteemed institutions have enabled us to respond swiftly and efficiently to intelligence reports and secure our borders with precision and professionalism.
It is pertinent to note the critical role played by the office of the National Security Adviser in strategic intelligence guidance, and overarching policy support under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (mni), for his strong commitment to addressing security challenges in Nigeria. Their leadership has bcen instrumental in fostering an environment of trust and cooperation among all stakeholders.
Equally commendable is the partnership with the NMDPRA whose technical expertise and regulatory framework has ensured that our actions align with best practices while addressing the systematic challenges within the petroleum supply chain.
These achievements re-affirm their collective resolve to combat smuggling and illicit trade, which threatens the social and economic well-being of our great nation. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of complex challenges.
‘As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening our operational capacities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and promoting public awareness on the dettimental effects of smuggling and diversion’.
He also called upon all well-meaning Nigerians to support our efforts by providing actionable information
and fostering a culture of compliance with our laws and regulations.
In conclusion, he extend his heartfelt gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi mfr fnipr
dsm psc+ and his entire management team, Kebbi Area Command, FOU B, dedicated personnel of Operation Whirlwind, our Partners in the ONSA, NMDPRA and patriotic Nigerians who continue to stand with them in the pursuit of a resolute mission to dismantle smuggling networks and bring economic saboteurs to justice.