NEW NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR OF OPERATION WHIRLWIND, D/COMPT BELLO READS THE RIOT ACT: OPERATIVES CAN’T ASK FOR GRATIFICATION

NEW NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR OF OPERATION WHIRLWIND, D/COMPT BELLO READS THE RIOT ACT: OPERATIVES CAN’T ASK FOR GRATIFICATION

By Timothy Paul Okorocha

The new National Co-ordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller M.I Bello, Esq. has read the riot act to his operatives nationwide, with a view to cleaning up its image and stamping out smuggling of petroleum products across the nation’s borders.

In a strongly worded statement to his officers and men, he said his office has not mandated anyone to solicit for bribe in the course of the National assignment. ‘My office has not authorized or mandated anyone to solicit, collect or receive cash, gifts, or any form of gratification on my behalf.

Anyone parading himself as my representative for that purpose is acting without my authority’
He advised all commanders to report such malfeasance accordingly.

As Commanders, you are expected to demonstrate exemplary leadership, maintain effective supervision and discipline among your personnel, and ensure that the renewed operational expectations are translated into measurable and tangible results. My office remains open to constructive engagement, regular operational briefings, professional advice, and innovative ideas that will enhance our collective effectiveness and advance overall objectives of this assignment.

Let it be clearly understood that our collective responsibility goes beyond making seizures; it is about protecting national revenue, safeguarding our economic interests, securing our borders and upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Following my recent appointment as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, I wish to formally charge all Zone and Axis Commanders to demonstrate renewed commitment, heightened vigilance, discipline and the highest level of operational effectiveness in the discharge of their responsibilities across their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Credible intelligence reaching the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) from the
Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) indicates the likelihood of increased
of smugled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during the forthcoming festive season.
Consequently, all Commanders are hereby directed to intensify intelligence-driven
operations, strengthen surveillance and enhance border patrols to ensure the effective interception of smuggled petroleum products.

I expect every Zone and Axis Commander to deliver measurable operational results through substantial seizures of illegally diverted and smuggled petroleum products, alongside the apprehension of individuals involved in these economic crimes. All intercepted products and suspects must be handled in accordance with established procedures, with appropriate documentation and necessary legal processes initiated to ensure the prosecution of offenders. This will serve as a strong deterrent to economic saboteurs and other individuals bent on undermining the economic interests of our dear
nation

 

Let me make this unequivocally clear: THERE MUST BE NO COMPROMISE. The integrity, credibility and commitment of every officer and operative under this assignment are non-negotiable. I will not condone any act of indiscipline, collusion, negligence, misconduct or any form of compromise that could undermine the objectives and mandate of Operation Whirlwind.

 

I count on your loyalty, professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to deliver on this national assignment. This is for your information and strict compliance, pse.