SEIZURES OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS & ARREST OF CRIMINALS MUST GO PARI- PASSU; AS ACG OLADEJI ANNOUNCES N80. 4 MILLION PETROL SEIZURES IN LAGOS/OGUN AXIS
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Smugglers of petroleum products will have a soar story to tell in the months ahead as the New National Co-ordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Oladeji has vowed that henceforth, vigorous efforts are being intensified not only to sustain seizures but will ensure arrest of all suspects behind such criminality, whether on the spot where the crime was committed or few hours afterwards.
Briefing newsmen in Lagos today, he drew an instance with a major petrol smuggler who was intercepted three hours after several jerrycans of petroleum products billed to be exported illegally to Benin Republic were seized from him.
‘We are more than ever determined to march seizures with arrests of criminals behind it, inorder to curb this economic sabotage from the roots’
Unraveling the activities of the Whirlwind Team in the last seven weeks, he said operatives stationed under the Zone ‘A’ commanded by Assistant Compt Abubakar Zaki made significant strides in countering the smuggling of premium motor spirit (PMS) destined for illegal export to Republic of Benin.
Oladeji disclosed that the Team intercepted a total of 49,500 litres of petrol with seven vehicles as means of conveyance, all with Duty paid value (DPV) of N89,452,000.
He said, It is with a strong sense of duty and commitment to national interest that as he welcomes all to this press briefing and auction process. As the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, it is imperative that they keep the Nigerian public informed on key Developments relating to they mandate particularly in the critical effort to curb the diversion, smuggling, and sabotage of
petroleum products across the country.
Today’s briefing focuses on recent operations and successes recorded in Zone A, which covers the Lagos and Ogun axis.
According to him, Operation Whirlwind is a special task force constituted to address the growing menace of petroleum product smuggling, hoarding and associated economic sabotage. This operation aligns with the broader efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the downstream oil sector, protect nationai resources, and ensure that petroleum products are available and affordable for Nigerians. Within the last Seven (7) weeks till date, their Operatives stationed under Zone A have made significant strides in
countering the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) destined for illegal export to Republic of Benin.
He stated that the Operatives, acting on credible intelligence and in line with their renewed mandate, successfully intercepted a total of: 1,980 Jerricans of 25 liters/30 liters respectively of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) yielding a volume of 49,500 Litres, at various notorious smuggling flashpoints within Ajilete Axis, Ijoun Axis, Ilaro Axis, Badagry Axis, Owode Idiroko Axis, Eree Ado-Odo, and
Obada Imeko Axis.
These petroleum products, carefully concealed and being prepared for illegal export to the neighboring Republic of Benin were intercepted along with Seven (7) Vehicles being used as means of conveyance. Following this successful interception, further investigations and intelligence-led, surveillance efforts led our operatives to a retail outlet identified as: ADEOLA ADE PLC FIling Station, Located along Owode Apa Road Badagry, Lagos State. Upon inspection, serious infractions were observed regarding the handling, storage, and potential illegal sales of petroleum products at this location. As such, and in line with extant laws and regulatory procedures, the filling station was immediately sealed to prevent further economic sabotage and ensure public safety.
According to him, during a routine perimeter sweep around the sealed premises, a male individual later identified as Mr. Adeola Ismail was apprehended based on his suspicious conduct and preliminary links to the activities at the said station. It is pertinent to note
that the suspect was not arrested inside the premises, but rather outside the crime scene, during a wider combing of the surrounding area.
Following his arrest, Mr. Ismail was taken into custody for questioning and profiling. After 23 hours in accordance with the law, and upon request and proper representation by his legal counsel, he was granted administrative bail by the Legal Unit of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU A) pending further investigation.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted petroleum products and the conveying vehicles is to the tune of
N80,452,000 (Eighty Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand Naira Only).
These achievements re-affirm their collective resolve to combat smuggling and illicit trade, which threaten the social and economic well-being of our great nation. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of complex challenges.
He stressed that as they move forward, will remain steadfast in their commitment to strengthening their operational capacities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and promoting public awareness on the
detrimental effects of smuggling and resource diversion. They call (upon all well-meaning Nigerians to support their r efforts by providing actionable information and fostering a culture of compliance with their laws and regulations.
In conclusion, he extends heartfelt gratitude to the (ONSA) under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (mni) for his strong support and commitment in addressing security challenges in Nigeria, the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MER,FNIPR, DSM,PSC(+) and his entire Management Team, the NMDPRA, dedicated personnel of Operation Whirlwind and patriotic Nigerians who continue to stand with them in the pursuit of a resolute mission to dismantle smuggling networks and bring economic saboteurs to justice.
“Together, we can build a safer and more economically stable Nigeria.”