ALIYU PROMISES TO DISMANTLE ALL NETWORKS OF PETROLEUM SMUGGLING; AS OPERATION WHIRLWIND INTERCEPTS N38 MILLION PMS IN LAGOS ZONE
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
The Operation Whirlwind is doubling down on its avowed responsibility to flush out petroleum smuggling across the country.
National Co-ordinator of the Team, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu told newsmen today while showcasing several thousands of litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) worth more than N38 million intercepted by the zone A Lagos.
The seized product was put to public auction at a cheaper rate.
The Nigeria Customs Service continues to uphold its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s economy, protecting vital assets, and tackling all forms of smuggling and economic sabotage. Recently, efforts have been significantly intensified through improved surveillance, stronger intelligence operations, and more robust enforcement activities along major routes identified for the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.
Operation Whirlwind was established as a strategic national initiative to combat the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products. The operation is designed to safeguard Nigeria’s energy security, preserve government revenue, and ensure that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption reach legitimate end users without unlawful diversion.
Acting based on credible intelligence, their operatives successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighboring countries. During this operation, a total of 820 jerry-cans of 25 litres each, were intercepted, amounting to 20,500 litres. These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry.
In addition to the seized petroleum products, five (5) vehicles used in conveying the products were also intercepted. The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized PMS and the vehicles is estimated at ₦38,000,000 (Thirty-Eight Million Naira Only).
He said the Seized PMS Products up for auction today were seized through dedicated enforcement operations and reliable intelligence. They had been earmarked for illegal export to neighboring country in direct contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products.
According to him, Petroleum smuggling remains a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security. It deprives the government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain, encourages artificial scarcity, fuels criminal enterprises, and undermines the gains of ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector. The Nigeria Customs Service will therefore continue to confront these criminal activities with unwavering determination.
He stated that in line with legal provisions and their commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized PMS is being disposed of through this public auction. This ensures that the products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than being diverted into illegal channels.
He deposed that, this auction is being carried out with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to guarantee transparency, accountability, and integrity, in the disposal process.
They acknowledge the invaluable leadership and strategic guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser, under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, mni, whose unwavering commitment to inter-agency cooperation has greatly enhanced the operational effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind.
They also applauded the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its technical proficiency and regulatory oversight, which help ensure that enforcement measures adhere to best practices while effectively addressing weaknesses in the distribution network.
Furthermore, their profound appreciation equally goes to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their exceptional leadership, steadfast support, and commitment to providing the resources and policy direction that continue to strengthen Operation Whirlwind across all operational zones.
Also, he salute the dedicated officers and personnel of Operation Whirlwind, along with their partner agencies. Their professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment have made this interception possible and continue to thwart the efforts of smugglers and economic saboteurs.
“Let this exercise serve as a clear warning to all individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products. Operation Whirlwind remains intelligence-driven, proactive, and uncompromising in its resolve. We shall continue to identify, intercept, investigate, and dismantle all smuggling networks operating within and around our borders.”
They call on members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to keep supporting security agencies by providing accurate and timely information. Combating smuggling is a shared responsibility, and their cooperation is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
According to him, transparency continues to be a cornerstone of their operations. This auction exercise underscores their commitment to accountability and the responsible management of seized petroleum products. All participants are expected to adhere strictly to the established procedures governing the exercise.
He stressed that today’s event reaffirms the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources and ensuring their use serves the best interests of the Nigerian people.
They concluded by wishing and reassuring Nigerians that Operation Whirlwind will continue to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, and enforcement operations across all operational theatres. We remain committed to dismantling every network engaged in petroleum smuggling and ensuring that Nigeria’s economic interests are vigorously protected.
“Together, we will eliminate petroleum smuggling and protect our national economy.” He said.