WE ARE ALREADY GIVING PETROLEUM PRODUCTS SMUGGLERS BLOODY NOSES—ACG OLADEJI
The war against petroleum bunkering and smuggling in the country and across the nation’s borders is gaining traction soon after the twerking of the Operation Whirlwind Commanders in the last one week.
The new National Co-ordinator of the Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) IK Oladeji disclosed in an exclusive chat that the anti-smuggling operation has been strengthened and has come with it tangible results in form of huge seizures across the zones.
He stated that seizure profiles have quadrupled in the katsina and Lagos zones respectively, noting that in few days’ time, the Team will be exhibiting the seizures to newsmen to justify the turn around in its operations for weeks now.
Oladeji pointed out that the Operation would leave no stone unturned to bring economic saboteurs to their knees, without working contrary to the rules of engagement.
Stating that petroleum smuggling remains a serious economic sabotage, the Co-ordinator promised that his Team would work round the clock relying majorly on intelligence-driven operations.
In the last one week, the Lagos zone has witnessed tremendous seizures of petroleum products as more than 100 Jerry cans of 25 litres of the product intercepted by the Team have been warehoused at the Customs Training college, Ikeja. At least, one petrol has been sealed for infraction, while two suspects are in custody.
Investigations are ongoing.
At a recent meeting with his new Commanders, the National Co-ordinator, ACG Oladeji pledged to sustain the tempo of the anti-smuggling war against economic saboteurs. He charged them at the meeting that ‘unparalleled seizure profile’ must be their new watchwords.
Reading the riot acts to them, Oladeji told his men to adhere to the Operation Whirlwind’s (SOPs), respect the rights of individuals and the supremacy of the rule of law.
‘You are to adhere strictly to all humanitarian laws; you must not compromise or be involved in any criminal act such as aiding and abetting or anything extortion, while maintaining high standards of ethical and required discipline at all time’.