NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR, OPERATION WHIRLWIND, DISMANTLES PETROLEUM SMUGGLING NETWORK; INTERCEPTS 14,375 LITRES OF PMS BILLED FOR CAMEROON
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
The Operation Whirlwind, an anti-smuggling outfit of the Customs, designed to combat illicit diversion of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders has continued to gain traction, as it has announced the dismantling of a coordinated network involved in illegal exportation of premium motor spirit (PMS) to neighboring Cameroon.
National Co-ordinator of the Team, Deputy Comptroller A.L Aliyu, a no-nonsense officer, disclosed this today in Calabar while addressing representatives of the midstream and downstream petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), officers and men of the Team as well as members of the fourth estate of the Realm.
He said in the past few weeks, acting on credible intelligence, the Team intercepted more than 14,375 litres of petrol, which he noted are to be sold publicly on auction. This feat was recorded through sustained surveillance and strategic interdictions across identified flashpoints, including Ikang, Bakassi, Ikom and Ikot-Idareka.
“It is my honour to address you today on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, FNIPR, DSM, PSC(+), at this important public auction exercise involving 14,375litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted by Operation Whirlwind here in Calabar.”
He deposed that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s economy, secure critical national assets, and combat all forms of smuggling and economic sabotage. In recent months, they have significantly intensified surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations across strategic corridors notorious for the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.
According to him, Operation Whirlwind is a special anti–petroleum smuggling initiative designed to combat the illicit diversion of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders. The operation was established to safeguard the nation’s economic interests, protect national energy security, and ensure that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption are not illegally smuggled out of the country.
The product they are auctioning today was intercepted through credible intelligence and diligent enforcement actions by officers of Operation Whirlwind and other collaborating security agencies. These products were being diverted for illegal export in clear violation of Nigeria’s laws governing the distribution and movement of petroleum products.
He stated clearly that petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime. It undermines the national economy, deprives government of critical revenue, distorts the domestic supply chain, and creates artificial scarcity that brings hardship to ordinary Nigerians. Smuggling also empowers criminal networks that threaten national security and economic stability.
He said, in line with the provisions of the law and in keeping with the principles of transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized 14,375 litres of PMS are being disposed of through this public auction. The objective is to ensure that the product is returned into the legitimate domestic supply chain for the benefit of the public rather than allowing it to be re-diverted into illegal channels.
According to him, this public auction is therefore conducted in the presence of relevant government agencies, security organizations, civil society representatives, and the media to guarantee openness and credibility in the disposal process.
“We acknowledge the strategic coordination provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, mni. His guidance continues to strengthen national security collaboration and operational synergy across agencies.”
He also recognized and commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its technical expertise and robust regulatory oversight, which ensure that enforcement actions align with best practices while addressing systemic vulnerabilities in the distribution framework.
Furthermore, he expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team for their visionary leadership and steadfast operational support, which have empowered Operation Whirlwind to deliver measurable results.
He also used the opportunity to commend the gallant officers and men of Operation Whirlwind and their partner agencies whose dedication, professionalism, and vigilance made this interception possible. Their relentless commitment continues to frustrate the activities of smugglers and economic saboteurs who seek to exploit our national resources for personal gain.
He also sounded a clear warning to those who are still involved in the illegal smuggling of petroleum products. The era of impunity is over. Operation Whirlwind remains resolute, proactive, and intelligence-driven in its operations.saying they will continue to track, intercept, and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate.
To members of the public he said, particularly residents within border communities, “we urge you to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information. The fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility, and your support is vital in protecting the nation’s economic interests.”
He stressed that transparency remains a key pillar of their operations. This auction exercise demonstrates their commitment to accountability and responsible management of seized petroleum products. All participants in this auction are expected to comply strictly with the procedures guiding the exercise.
According to him, today’s event sends a strong message that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources and ensuring that they are used for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
“As we proceed with this auction exercise, I assure Nigerians that Operation Whirlwind will continue to intensify its surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement actions across all operational zones. Together, we will defeat petroleum smuggling and safeguard our national economy.”