A TOAST FOR OPERATION WHIRLWIND: AS D/COMPT ALIYU INTERCEPTS N93.4 MILLION PMS IN ADAMAWA; VOWS TO BRING ECONOMIC SABOTEURS TO GROUND ZERO

A TOAST FOR OPERATION WHIRLWIND: AS D/COMPT ALIYU INTERCEPTS N93.4 MILLION PMS IN ADAMAWA; VOWS TO BRING ECONOMIC SABOTEURS TO GROUND ZERO

By Timothy Paul Okorocha

Since he mounted the saddle, the National Co-ordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu has kept no one in doubt that his team could truly be an agent at disrupting smuggling syndicates in the country.

In the past few months, he and his team have proved their mettle traversing Lagos, Calabar, Niger/Kwara, Kano and the entire North East showcasing their feats in real time.

Indeed, Aliyu can be decribed as well fitted into the shoes left by the pioneer National Co-ordinator of the Team, retired Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) HK Ejibunu.

Just today, Aliyu and his Commander in Yola, Deputy Compt Ali did not disappoint. In what has become their trade mark, no less than N93.3 million worth of petroleum products were seized in the last six weeks in the Zone ‘D’ axis. Following intelligence-driven operations, the Co-ordinator disclosed to newsmen that 47 seizures were recorded from different locations at different times within Adamawa state.

The flash points and locations of seizures include Mubi-Sahuda axis, Farang-Belel, Gurin-Fufore axis, Mahia, Muva and Pariya. The seized items include 64,410 litres of Premium motor spirit (petrol) packed in 2,550 Jerry cans of 25 litres, and three drums of 220 litres capacity intended to be smuggled out of the country. Two used vehicles which served as means of conveyance are in their custody.

Gentlemen of the press and the general public, be aware that the seizures of the above items were effected in contravention of sections 150,248 and 250 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act,2023.The operatives equally acted in accordance with section 226 ofNCS Act, 2023 which give them power to patrol freely in order to apprehend these goods.

It is important to note that, deregulation of price of petroleum Product does not mean that Government has abandoned its responsibility for market stability,national security and illicit exportation of the products, hence the arrest and confiscation of the product.Recently the price of petroleum products most especially Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in our neighboring countries like Cameroon, Benin Republic and others remains substantially greater than in Nigeria, in spite Nigeria’s own price increases as a result of deregulation.This price gap is the primary engine driving the smuggling activities. For instance, as at today in Cameroon and Benin Republic the average price of PMS per liter stands at 840 XAF (N2,196)and 695 CFA (N1,709) respectively as against N1,330 in Nigeria.

 

Take for example, a smuggler who successfully smuggled say 60,000 litres of PMS across Nigeria by all means into the Republic of Cameroon stands to make a gross revenue difference of approximately N51,960,000 based on price disparity. This attested to why the economic saboteurs remains resolute in their nefarious activities for personal gain.

Gentlemen of the press, be informed that these structurally entrenched cartels maintained comprehensive situational awareness, diversified transit modalities and driven by lucrative illegal profits making it a daily fight to suppress their illegal activities by the Nigeria Customs Service. They are prepared to do whatever it takes to maintain their hold. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service, most especially Operation whirlwind under my watch has been diligently reviewing and strengthening its robust measures to combat this illicit trade head on.

Let me state unequivocally that we will counter every move the smugglers will think of and we will not relent in this anti-smuggling crusade until we bring smuggling activities to ground zero in Adamawa and Nigeria in totality where smugglers will not have fresh air. Note that the sized PMS showcased here today will be auctioned to the general public immediately after this press conference in accordance with Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and the proceed will be remitted into the Federation Account accordingly. Please be
informed that we do not only seized this product, but we have succeeded in recovering our national assets which could have been used to fuel insecurity.

Our gathering today is centered on showcasing and celebrating the successes recorded by the operatives of Operation Whirlwind,zone ‘D’axis through ongoing anti-smuggling intelligence driven operations aimed at disrupting smuggling syndicates in accordance with the enabling laws. To maintain this momentum, the unit had repositioned all its machineries across its area of coverage in collaboration with other sister agencies for effective border management. There is no doubt that this strategic intervention has
contributed immensely to the service’s overall mission success. We remain committed and resolute to sustaining this momentum.

My sincere appreciation goes to the Comptroller General of Customs Dr.Bashir,Adewale Adeniyi MFR,PSC(+)and his entire management team for constantly providing all necessary resources and support for our seamless anti-smuggling operations,the ONSA under the stewardship of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (mni) for his unalloyed support and commitment in addressing security challenges in Nigeria.Equally commendable is the NMDPRA, whose technical expertise and regulatory framework played a vital role in these
accomplishments. The genuine cooperative and shared intelligence of Officers of Adamawa/Taraba Area Command under the leadership of Comptroller MA Tako psc is highly recognized in this breakthrough.

The networked intelligence of all the Customs Units comprising the CIU, North-Eastern Marine, FOU, SIS, Valuation, ICT, other security agencies,Community leaders and critical stakeholders must also be reckoned with in this successful anti-smuggling journcy.To my distinguished officers, I thank you for your uncompromising and sincere dedication to the national assignment.We do not take it for granted,

My dear compatriots, we urge you to support our efforts and report any suspicious activities timely as this fight is not one-man business. If you see something say something without delay.The Gentlemen of the press, we seek your continuous unalloyed support in this anti- smuggling crusade of the service by educating the populace continuously on the negative effects of smuggling activities on the nation’s economy and security.

Together, we can combat smuggling and promote economic growth we are yarning for. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless the Nigeria Customs Service.