NO ESCAPE ROUTE FOR PETROLEUM SMUGGLERS; AS NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR OPERATION WHIRLWIND & OYO/OSUN COMMAND DESIGN NEW STRATEGIES FOR ENFORCEMENT
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
National Co-ordinator of the Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller A.L Aliyu has lauded the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun command for their vigilance and intelligence-driven operations which have assisted in intercepting illegal petroleum movements across the western zone.
He said their ability towards monitoring the flashpoints and disrupting supply chains have contributed significantly to the success of the Operation Whirlwind.
Aliyu told the Area controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Moses Adewole during a courtesy visit that they need to strengthen operational synergy, enhance intelligence sharing on petroleum products movement and storage, while reviewing operational challenges ,identifying areas requiring reinforcement, and ‘reaffirming our collective resolve to eliminate petroleum products smuggling within and beyond our borders’
Although Oyo–Osun Command is not a direct land-border station, its strategic location as a major transit and distribution corridor makes it extremely important in the national fight against petroleum products smuggling. Smuggled petroleum products often pass through hinterland commands such as this, using road networks, warehouses, and commercial outlets to evade detection and enforcement.
“I must commend the Acting Comptroller and officers of this Command for your vigilance, intelligence-driven operations, and cooperation with sister commands and security agencies. Your efforts in intercepting illegal petroleum movements, monitoring flashpoints, and disrupting supply chains have contributed significantly to the success of Operations Whirlwind.”
This visit therefore seeks to:
Strengthen operational synergy between Operations Whirlwind and Oyo–Osun Area Command;
Enhance intelligence sharing on petroleum product movement and storage; Review operational challenges and identify areas requiring reinforcement; and Reaffirm our collective resolve to eliminate petroleum products smuggling within and beyond our borders.
“Let me emphasize that the fight against petroleum products smuggling is not limited to border commands alone. It requires a coordinated approach involving border stations, area commands, enforcement units, and intelligence formations. Operations Whirlwind is designed to serve as a force multiplier, working hand-in-hand with Commands such as Oyo–Osun to ensure seamless enforcement.”
“As we intensify our operations, we must continue to uphold the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service—discipline, professionalism, integrity, and accountability. Enforcement must be firm, lawful, and transparent. Our actions should reflect the confidence reposed in us by the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
“Distinguished officers and men, petroleum products smuggling undermines government policies, distorts the domestic fuel market, and deprives the nation of critical revenue. Our duty is therefore not just an operational assignment, but a patriotic responsibility to protect Nigeria’s economic and energy security.”
“This visit is both a courtesy call and an operational engagement, aimed at reinforcing collaboration between the Oyo–Osun Area Command and Operations Whirlwind, a specialized unit of the Nigeria Customs Service established to combat the smuggling and illegal diversion of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders and internal corridors.”
“In conclusion, I wish to assure the Acting Comptroller and the entire Oyo–Osun Area Command of the continued support and cooperation of Operations Whirlwind. Together, through unity of purpose, effective intelligence, and sustained enforcement, we shall record even greater successes in our collective mandate.”
The Area Controller, also an anti-smuggling expert, Deputy Comptroller Adewole said his jurisdiction is watertight for devious importers to operate, assuring the National Co-ordinator that his officers and men would join forces with the Operation Whirlwind to make the zone too hot for economic saboteurs.
[1/23, 4:17 PM] Oga: National Co-ordinator, Deputy Comptroller Aliyu (left), the Oyo/Osun Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Moses Adewole (2nd left), the Commander of Operation Whirlwind, Lagos zone, Assistant Comptroller Abubakar Zaki (2nd right) and the officer in charge of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU)