Customs Intensifies Crackdown on Fuel Smugglers, Seizes 49,000 Litres of PMS

Customs Intensifies Crackdown on Fuel Smugglers, Seizes 49,000 Litres of PMS

…Vows Sustained Campaign Against Economic Saboteurs

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has ramped up efforts to combat the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) through its intensified Operation Whirlwind in Nigeria’s northeastern corridor, resulting in the seizure of nearly 49,000 litres of petrol and vehicles valued at over ₦63 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV).

The operation’s success was disclosed on Friday, May 23, 2025, during a press briefing at the Customs House in Yola, Adamawa State. Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Hussein Ejibunu, who serves as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind and represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the seizures were the outcome of intelligence-driven and well-coordinated enforcement activities in Zone ‘D’.

According to ACG Ejibunu, Customs operatives intercepted 1,959 jerry cans of PMS—equivalent to 48,950 litres—along with five vehicles used for their illegal transportation. The seizures were made along key smuggling routes including Dasin-Fufore, Belel-Farang, Mubi-Sahuda, Maiha, and Girei-Wuro Bokki.

“Upon sighting Customs operatives, the smugglers fled, abandoning their illicit cargo in a bid to avoid arrest,” Ejibunu said.

He stressed that the crackdown aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic protection strategy under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. “This operation not only helps in curbing product scarcity but also stabilizes prices and bolsters national security,” he said. “It is our commitment to safeguard national assets and strengthen economic resilience.”

Ejibunu further disclosed that in accordance with Section 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the seized petroleum products will be auctioned immediately, and proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.

He called for stronger collaboration between the Customs Service and border communities, urging traditional rulers to engage local youth positively to steer them away from smuggling, which he described as a serious act of economic sabotage.

“The fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility. We need the support of local communities, the media, and all stakeholders,” he affirmed.

ACG Ejibunu acknowledged the vital support received from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command. He also appreciated the cooperation of sister security agencies throughout the operation.