SHOW OF LOVE: CG APPROVES HAND OVER OF TRUCKLOAD OF PMS MISTAKENLY INTERCEPTED TO THE OWNER; AS D/COMPT ALIYU AUCTIONS 14,875 LITRES OF PETROL IN LAGOS
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
First in a long while, and in a special way of showing magnanimity to those who engage in legitimate trade, the Comptroller General of the Customs service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR today handed over a tanker truck laden with 50,000 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) mistakenly intercepted five months ago by operatives of the Operation Whirlwind to the petroleum marketer, Museg Investment Limited.
Speaking in Lagos on behalf of the Customs boss, the National Co-ordinator of the Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller A.L Aliyu said the gesture was in line with one of the mandates of the Service, which espouses trade facilitation.
He said the release of the truckload of PMS was approved by the Comptroller General after due diligence.
Aliyu disclosed this in the sidelines of the public auction of several thousands of litres of petrol seized by the Operation Whirlwind in zone A .
Receiving the key of his truck, the petrol marketer expressed happiness that the Comptroller General showed him love, notwithstanding that he has been out of business for months. Briefing newsmen later, the National Co-ordinator, Deputy Comptroller Aliyu noted that 14,875 litres of PMS were intercepted by his team in the period under consideration.
“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 is a targeted anti-smuggling initiative designed to prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders. Its core aim is to safeguard the nation’s economic interests, strengthen energy security, and ensure that petroleum products intended for local consumption are not unlawfully diverted for export.”
“Over the past (4) four weeks, acting on credible intelligence, our operatives successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighboring countries. During this operation, a total of 595 jerry-cans of 25 litres each were intercepted, amounting to 14,875 litres. These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized products stands at Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Seven- Five Thousand Naira Only ₦14,875,000.”
He stated that 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.
He deposed that It is pertinent to re-emphasize that petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime. It undermines the national economy, deprives the government of vital revenue, disrupts the domestic supply chain, and creates artificial scarcity that negatively impacts citizens. Furthermore, it fuels criminal networks that threaten national security and economic stability.
“In line with legal provisions and our 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.”
According to him 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.
The Co-ordinator acknowledged the strategic leadership of the Office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, mni, whose direction has bolstered inter-agency coordination and improved operational efficiency.
He 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 sincere appreciation goes to the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team for their visionary leadership and unwavering support, which have enabled Operation Whirlwind to achieve measurable success.
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.
He issued a firm warning to anyone still engaged in the illegal smuggling of petroleum products: the era of impunity is over. Operation Whirlwind remains determined, proactive, and intelligence-led in its approach. They will persist in tracking, intercepting, and dismantling smuggling networks wherever they operate.
He calls 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 your cooperation is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
He stressed that 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.
According to him, 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.
He said as they advance with this auction exercise, he assured Nigerians that Operation Whirlwind will continue to strengthen its surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement efforts across all operational zones.
“Together, we will eliminate petroleum smuggling and protect our national economy.”