OPERATION WHIRLWIND, SEME/BADAGRY & IDIROKO COMMANDS UNITED TO STAMP OUT PETROLEUM SMUGGLING ACROSS THE BORDERS
National Co-ordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller A.L Aliyu today said that the fight against petroleum smuggling was not just about seizures or arrests, but a strategic plan towards protecting national revenue, ensuring energy availability for Nigerians and defending the nation’s sovereignty.
In a speech today during a courtesy visit to the Area Controller of Seme/Badagry border command, Compt Wale Adenuga, the National Co-ordinator deposed that ‘history will judge us by how decisively and patriotically we respond to this responsibility,
Aliyu pointed out that as the service intensifies enforcement, the operatives must equally uphold the core values of the Nigeria customs, which include discipline, transparency and accountability.
‘Our actions must inspire public confidence and demonstrate that customs remains a trusted institution in the service of the Nigerian people.
The new Co-ordinator emphasized that the success of Operation Whirlwind depends to a large extent on cooperation at the command level,noting that no unit can operate effectively in isolation.
‘We must continue to work as one Customs family, supported by sister security agencies, traditional institutions, border communities and relevant stakeholders. He reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance against all forms of petroleum products smuggling.
The National Co-ordinator stated that the visit was an opportunity to strengthen synergy between Operations Whirlwind and the Seme Border command, exchange operational intelligence and best practices; Identify gaps and areas requiring enhanced logistics, manpower, or strategic support.
According to him, Seme Border occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s border architecture, noting that it’s proximity to neighboring countries makes it a critical transit point, and unfortunately a hotspot for trans-border crimes, particularly fuel smuggling.
He revealed that they are fully aware of the operational challenges faced by the command-ranging from difficult terrain and porous routes to the evolving tactics of smugglers. ‘Despite these challenges, the resilience, professionalism and commitment demonstrated by officers here are commendable’
Aliyu said he was honoured and pleased to visit the Command, expressing appreciation to the Comptroller in charge and the entire management for the warm reception and for the critical role they have continued to play in safeguarding the nation’s economy as well as territorial integrity. He assured the Comptroller and officers of the Command of the unwavering support of the Operation Whirlwind.
‘Together, we will continue to adapt, innovate and enforce the law without fear or favour, stressing that he was confident that with unity of purpose and operational excellence,’we shall record greater successes’
The Seme/Badagry Area Controller, Compt Wale Adenuga who welcomed and congratulated the new National Co-ordinator pledged to support in nipping the operations of petroleum smugglers in the bud in his area of jurisdiction.
At the Idiroko command, he told the acting Area controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Afeni that the visit is both a courtesy engagement and an operational assessment, undertaken in furtherance of the mandate of Operations Whirlwind, a special unit of the Nigeria Customs Service established to combat the smuggling and illegal diversion of petroleum products across our borders. Our presence here underscores the strategic importance of Ogun I Border Station in the national effort to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
The Ogun I axis remains a critical corridor within our border architecture. Its extensive land borders, numerous informal routes, and proximity to neighboring countries make it vulnerable to petroleum products smuggling and other forms of trans-border economic sabotage.
Smugglers continue to devise sophisticated methods to undermine government policies, distort the domestic fuel supply chain, and deprive the nation of much-needed revenue.
Despite these challenges, officers and men of Ogun I Border Station have demonstrated remarkable resilience, professionalism, and vigilance in the discharge of their duties. Your efforts in intelligence gathering, patrol operations, and inter-agency collaboration are commendable and worthy of recognition.
This visit therefore seeks to:
Strengthen operational synergy between Operations Whirlwind and Ogun I Border Station; Enhance intelligence sharing and joint enforcement strategies; Identify operational gaps requiring support in logistics, manpower, or deployment; and Reaffirm our collective resolve to decisively tackle petroleum products smuggling.
I wish to emphasize that Operations Whirlwind is not a standalone structure, but a force multiplier designed to support and complement Commands at the operational level. Our success depends on unity of purpose, cooperation, and seamless coordination within the Nigeria Customs Service, as well as collaboration with sister security agencies and border communities.
As we intensify enforcement, we must continue to uphold the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service—integrity, discipline, professionalism, and accountability. The war against petroleum smuggling must be fought firmly but fairly, in strict adherence to extant laws and service regulations. Our conduct must reflect the trust reposed in us by the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Nigerian people.
Distinguished officers and men, the task before us is a patriotic one. The protection of Nigeria’s petroleum resources is directly linked to national development, economic stability, and the welfare of our citizens. We must therefore remain resolute, vigilant, and innovative in confronting this menace.
In conclusion, I wish to assure the Acting Comptroller and the entire Ogun I Border Station of the full support and cooperation of Operations Whirlwind. Together, we shall continue to strengthen border enforcement, disrupt smuggling networks, and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.
D/Compt Afeni also pledged to do all within his powers to disorganize the ranks of the smugglers in his area