NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR OF OPERATION WHIRLWIND, D/COMPT ALIYU DECLARES ZERO-TOLERANCE STANCE AGAINST ALL FORMS OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS SMUGGLING
CG of Customs, Wale Adewale Adeniyi, MFR
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
National Co-ordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller A.L Aliyu today said that the fight against petroleum smuggling was not just about seizures or arrests, but a strategic plan towards protecting national revenue, ensuring energy availability for Nigerians and defending the nation’s sovereignty.
In a speech today during a courtesy visit to the Area Controller of Seme/Badagry border command, Compt Wale Adenuga, the National Co-ordinator deposed that ‘history will judge us by how decisively and patriotically we respond to this responsibility,
Aliyu pointed out that as the service intensifies enforcement, the operatives must equally uphold the core values of the Nigeria customs, which include discipline, transparency and accountability.
‘Our actions must inspire public confidence and demonstrate that customs remains a trusted institution in the service of the Nigerian people.
The new Co-ordinator emphasized that the success of Operation Whirlwind depends to a large extent on cooperation at the command level,noting that no unit can operate effectively in isolation.
‘We must continue to work as one Customs family, supported by sister security agencies, traditional institutions, border communities and relevant stakeholders. He reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance against all forms of petroleum products smuggling.
The National Co-ordinator stated that the visit was an opportunity to strengthen synergy between Operations Whirlwind and the Seme Border command, exchange operational intelligence and best practices; Identify gaps and areas requiring enhanced logistics, manpower, or strategic support.
According to him, Seme Border occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s border architecture, noting that it’s proximity to neighboring countries makes it a critical transit point, and unfortunately a hotspot for trans-border crimes, particularly fuel smuggling.
He revealed that they are fully aware of the operational challenges faced by the command-ranging from difficult terrain and porous routes to the evolving tactics of smugglers. ‘Despite these challenges, the resilience, professionalism and commitment demonstrated by officers here are commendable’
Aliyu said he was honoured and pleased to visit the Command, expressing appreciation to the Comptroller in charge and the entire management for the warm reception and for the critical role they have continued to play in safeguarding the nation’s economy as well as territorial integrity.
He assured the Comptroller and officers of the Command of the unwavering support of the Operation Whirlwind.
‘Together, we will continue to adapt, innovate and enforce the law without fear or favour, stressing that he was confident that with unity of purpose and operational excellence,’we shall record greater successes’
The Seme/Badagry Area Controller, Compt Wale Adenuga who welcomed and congratulated the new National Co-ordinator pledged to support in nipping the operations of petroleum smugglers in the bud in his area of jurisdiction.