PETROLEUM SMUGGLING FUELS ORGANIZED CRIME, WEAKENS BORDER INTEGRITY, DISTORTS LOCAL MARKETS; D/COMPT ALIYU TELLS THE DSS
Leadership of the Operation Whirlwind today engaged the the Kwara Directorate of State Services (DSS) where its National Co-ordinator, Deputy Comptroller A.L Aliyu reeled out the dangers of petroleum smuggling to the nation.
In a courtesy visit to the DSS Director, he deposed that petroleum smuggling was not merely an economic crime, but a serious national security concern.
“It fuels organized crime, weakens border integrity, distorts local markets, and in some cases finances other forms of criminality’
He told the DSS Director that for these reasons, there is the urgent need for intelligence-driven collaboration with critical security agencies such as the Directorate of State Services which he equally described as “indispensable to the success of our operations’
Aliyu said they were there to reaffirm the commitment to inter-again cooperation, information sharing, and mutual support. According to him, the DSS, as the nation’s premier intelligence and internal security agency plays a pivotal role in providing actionable intelligence,strategic insights, and early-warning signals that strengthen operational effectiveness.
‘We firmly believe that a sustained partnership between Operation Whirlwind and the DSS in Kwara state will significantly enhance our collective capacity to detect,disrupt and dismantle petroleum smuggling networks operating within and across the state’
The National Co-ordinator maintained that Kwara state occupies a strategic position, serving as a critical transit corridor between regions, noting that this reality makes proactive intelligence coordination, surveillance and joint operational planning even more essential.
He requested for continued guidance, cooperation and support’as we intensify efforts to curb petroleum smuggling and related economic crimes in the state. He assured of the Team’s commitment to professionalism, rule of law, respect for human rights and institutional synergy.
‘We are not in competition with any agency, rather, we see Luis’s partners united by a common goal-the protection of Nigeria’s security, economy and sovereignty’
Going memory lane, Deputy Comptroller Aliyu told his host that the Operation Whirlwind was established as a strategic response to the persistent challenge of petroleum smuggling, economic sabotage and the attendant threats to national security, revenue and energy stability, noting that their mandate goes beyond enforcement, but fundamentally about protecting Nigeria’s economic lifelines, supporting government reforms in the petroleum sector and ensuring that national resources are not diverted through illegal activities that undermine public trust and national development.
He expressed hope for a stronger, more effective working relationship that will yield tangible results for the benefit of the nation.
Responding the Director of the DSS in Kwara state, Mr Michael Ohanwu assured the National Co-ordinator of adequate intelligence that will assist in his new role.
Also, the acting Area Controller of the Kwara state customs command, Deputy Compt Ogundeyi promised all needed logistics to enhance anti-smuggling operations within his jurisdiction.