OPERATION WHIRLWIND INTERCEPTS N32.1 MILLION PETROLEUM PRODUCTS IN ZONE A BILLED TO BE EXPORTED TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
The Operation Whirlwind, an anti-smuggling team of the customs to nip petroleum smuggling in the bud is muzzling the activities of petroleum smugglers in the western zone. In a briefing in Lagos today, the National Co-ordinator of the Team, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu disclosed that no less than 22,175 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) have been intercepted within the zone A axis and its environs.
Worth more than N32,175,000, Aliyu said the seizures were made across identified flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme-Badagry. At the public auction of the product today, he stated that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to uphold its statutory mandate of safeguarding the nation’s economy , protecting vital national assets, and combatting all forms of smuggling, illicit trade and economic sabotage.
In furtherance of this mandate, he deposed that the Service has intensified its efforts through enhanced surveillance, strengthened intelligence gathering and more robust enforcement operations along major routes and identified flashpoints associated with the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.
He pointed out that Operation Whirlwind remains a targeted anti-smuggling initiative established to curb the illegal movement, diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products. In doing so, the Operation has strengthened national energy security, ensuring that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption are not unlawfully diverted across the nation’s borders.
The Co-ordinator revealed that in recent weeks, acting on credible intelligence, his operatives successfully disrupted a coordinated network involved in the illegal movement and exportation of petrol to neighboring countries.
During these operations, a total of 887 Jerry cans, each containing 25 litres of PMS, were intercepted, along with 5 means of conveyance’
Deputy Comptroller Aliyu noted that today’s auction is a clear demonstration of the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of seized petroleum products, in accordance with the extant laws, regulations and approved procedures. He urged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the established guidelines governing the exercise to ensure that the process is conducted in fair, orderly and transparent manner.
Aliyu appreciated the Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR and the management team for their continued support, strategic direction and unwavering commitment to the objectives of the Operation Whirlwind.
He also commended the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) , the NMDPRA for their continued collaboration.
The Co-ordinator commended the officers and men of the Operation Whirlwind in Zone A for their professionalism, diligence, courage and unwavering commitment to duty, which led to the success of the operation. ‘To those who are still engaged in the illegal smuggling, diversion and cross-border movement of petroleum products, let this exercise serve as a clear warning,
Operation Whirlwind remains resolute, relentless and intelligence-driven. We will continue to identify, intercept and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate, while ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice in accordance with the law’
He appealed to members of the public, particularly residents of border communities to continue to support the efforts of the customs service and other relevant security and regulatory agencies by providing timely, accurate and credible information on suspicious activities.
The fight against smuggling and economic sabotage, he noted is a collective responsibility, and the cooperation of the public remains vital to achieving lasting success.