Nigeria Customs Steps Up Fight Against Fuel Smuggling with Fresh Officer Deployments


In a bold move to clamp down on fuel smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deployed a fresh batch of newly inducted officers to Operation Whirlwind—a special tactical unit tasked with halting the illegal export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across Nigeria’s border.

At a high-profile ceremony held on June 3, 2025, in Abuja, the NCS signaled its renewed commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, addressed the officers with a powerful call to action, urging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and vigilance.

What sets this deployment apart? The NCS isn’t just relying on manpower. it's turning to Geospatial Intelligence. This cutting-edge technology will be key in tracking suspicious activities and intercepting smuggled fuel before it leaves the country. It's a smart move aimed at staying one step ahead of increasingly sophisticated smuggling networks.



The results so far is Impressive.Operation Whirlwind has already made a significant dent in fuel smuggling with a number of. Mind -blowing seizures. The momentum is strong, and with new boots on the ground, the NCS is ready to step up in their operations

ACG Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, had a clear message for the newly deployed officers: “Stay sharp, stay disciplined, and stay committed.” He highlighted the importance of strategic execution and maintaining the operational drive that has already been established.

"Fuel smuggling is more than just a border issue—it’s an economic threat. Every liter of smuggled PMS represents lost revenue and added strain on Nigeria’s already pressured energy system. By reinforcing Operation Whirlwind with new officers and advanced tech, the NCS is making it clear: Nigeria’s fuel supply chain will be protected." He concluded.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Guardians of the Waterways: Zonal Coordinator Applauds Western Marine Command’s Fight Against Smuggling

Image
 The Zonal Coordinator of Nigeria Customs Service Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Charles Orbih, recently paid a working visit to the Western Marine Command, commending the officers for their remarkable performance in anti-smuggling operations and maritime border security. The visit, filled with praise and reflection, underscored the critical role of the Command in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests, especially as the nation ramps up efforts to curb illegal trade and protect its maritime borders. “Your work here is not just important, it is critical to our national survival,” ACG Orbih declared, addressing officers who have made notable seizures of contraband items worth over ₦352 million in Duty Paid Value in recent weeks. These efforts, he emphasized, are about more than statistics, they represent tangible acts of service in defense of Nigeria’s economy and public well-being. “The seizures you made go beyond mere numbers,” Orbih stated. “They tell t...
Read more

Nigeria Customs Service Cracks Down on Smuggling: ₦1.28 Billion Worth of Contraband Seized in Two Weeks

Image
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) In a bold and highly successful offensive fight against smuggling has announced the seizure of contraband goods valued at ₦1.28 billion within just two weeks. The operation, led by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, reflects the agency’s intensified drive to protect the Nigerian economy and promote trade. Between May 19 and May 31, 2025, the FOU Zone A conducted 46 targeted interceptions across Lagos and border states, uncovering a wide array of illegally imported goods. Some of the most significant recoveries include Cannabis sativa concealed in a truck compartments Towels 7 Mitsubishi Canters, 5 Toyota Hiace buses, 3 Mini Shuttle buses (all dismantled for concealment), and 11 used vehicles (commonly known as Tokunbo 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) hidden in concealed truck compartments 2,051 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to four trailer-loads) 4,000 litres o...
Read more

NEARLY TWO DECADES OF CONCESSION, APMT REMAINS UNDER FIRE FOR POOR SERVICE DELIVERY

Image
 As Nigeria nears the 20th anniversary of its port concession policy, widespread dissatisfaction is mounting among stakeholders in the maritime sector, with particular criticism aimed at APM Terminals (APMT), a key player in port operations. In 2006, under the administration of then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s seaports were concessioned in a bid to enhance efficiency, attract private investment, and modernize the sector.  However, almost two decades after, the promises of improved service delivery and infrastructural upgrades remain largely unmet especially at APMT, one of the largest terminal operators in the country.  sticker at a Terminal in Tin Can Inland Port Industry operators and freight forwarders are now calling not just for a review but for an outright cancellation of some of these concession agreements, citing persistent inefficiencies, poor customer service, and infrastructural decay. In an exclusive interview, Mr. Chukwuemek...
Read more