EJIBUNU CHASES PETROL SMUGGLERS INTO BORDER TOWNS IN THE NORTH; AS OPERATION WHIRLWIND SHOWCASES 12,500 LITERS OF SEIZED PETROL IN MINNA
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Ensuring that he succeeds in any assignment given to him by the Comptroller General of the Customs, the National Co-ordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu has announced a seizure of 12,500 litres of premium motor spirit along Babanna border of Niger state.
The intercepted product loaded in 5000 Jerry cans of 25 litres each is another of such seizures which the Whirlwind team has sustained in the last 8 months, gaining commendations from all Nigerians across various divides.
To date, the team has made petrol seizure valued at more than half a billion naira.
At today’s briefing in Minna, the Customs Comptroller General, represented by the National Co-ordinator described today’s event ‘as another significant milestone in our ongoing mission to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s critical resources’
He pointed out that as a core mandate of Operation whirlwind to curb the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products, the operatives, based on credible intelligence, successfully intercepted another consignment of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Babanna border area of Niger.
This operation, executed with precision and diligence, resulted in the seizure of 500 Jerricans, of 25 liters each of PMS, yieldinga volume of 12,500liters, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Twelve Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only (N12,500,000).
The interception of this illegal shipment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to enforcing regulations that protect our national resources and ensure they are utilized for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
According to him, it is imperative to highlight that petroleum smuggling not only causes economic sabotage but also disrupts the availability and affordability of fuel for law-abiding citizens. The illicit trade further undermines national revenue, fuels organized crime, and compromises border Security.
It is pertinent to note, the critical roles played by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in strategic intelligence guidance and overarching policy support under the leadership of Mallam Nubhu Ribadu (mni) for his strong commitment to addressing security
challenges in Nigerta. Their leadership bas been 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 framnework have ensured that our actions align with best practices while addressing the systemic challenges within the petroleum supply chain.
He said these achievements re-affirmn their collective resolve to combat smuggling and illicit trade, which threaten 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 detrimental effects of smuggling and resource diversion. We call 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, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Comptroller-General Of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR,FNIPR,DSM.PSC(+) and his entire management team, Niger/ Kogi Area Command, dedicated Whirlwind, our partners in the ONSA NEDDel of Operation and patriotic Nigerians who continue to stand with us in the pursuit of a resolute mission to dismnantle smuggling networks and bring economic saboteurs to justice.