Customs seize N86.7m petrol in Adamawa, generate N500m in five months

Customs seize N86.7m petrol in Adamawa, generate N500m in five months

The Nigeria Customs Service has made significant strides in combating petroleum smuggling across the country, generating over N500 million from smugglers through "Operation Whirlwind," a special task force team. Between October and November, the team seized PMS worth over N86.7 million in the Adamawa and Taraba command, thanks to the collaborative efforts of its operatives.

The seized items are quite extensive, including 1,124 jerry cans of PMS, 53 drums of 200 litres capacity each filled with PMS, 21,000 litres of PMS conveyed in two fuel tankers, and five vehicles, plus two motorcycles. These smugglers were heading to the Republic of Cameroon when they were intercepted .

Operation Whirlwind's successes can be attributed to its clinical engagements and sting operations aimed at ending protracted smuggling activities. The team's efforts have been praised for their unrelenting, uncompromising, and collaborative approach. Additionally, the team intercepted 14 fuel tankers loaded with PMS on the grounds of product diversion and smuggling.

The Nigeria Customs Service launched Operation Whirlwind to combat the illicit trade of petrol into neighboring countries, with the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasizing the team's pivotal role in shielding Nigeria's economy from the detrimental impacts of fuel smuggling .