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By correspondent in Ilorin.
Operation Whirlwind has ramped up its efforts to combat fuel smuggling, recently seizing 67,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth approximately N84.8 million along the Kwara-Niger border in response to Nigeria’s ongoing fuel scarcity.
The seized fuel was auctioned to the public, signaling the government’s commitment to curbing illegal fuel trade. Chado Zakari
The spokesperson for the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Chado Zakari confirmed the operation’s success in a statement issued from Ilorin, Kwara State on Monday.
Launched in May 2024, Operation Whirlwind is a collaborative initiative between the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), aimed at preventing the illegal export of petroleum products.
Zakari emphasized the operation’s effectiveness, stating, “In the face of widespread fuel scarcity, Nigeria’s Operation Whirlwind has made a significant impact in the fight against fuel smuggling.”
He qouted the Comptroller Hussaini Ejibunu, who oversees the operation,as noting that the initiative has significantly reduced PMS smuggling along Kwara’s borders, helping protect national resources and bolster security.
“While Nigerians are suffering from artificial scarcity, smugglers are exploiting the situation by siphoning products out of the country. They must either stop or face arrest,” Ejibunu warned.
According to him,the operation has led to several successful enforcement actions.
Ejibunu recalled that on September 17 and 18, officers intercepted 99 kegs of PMS worth N2.97 million in the Gwanara area.
Another 90 kegs, valued at N2.7 million, were seized around the Gure/Kusoboso axis on September 30. Additionally, two tankers carrying 66,000 liters of PMS, with registration numbers FST-524 XG and JJJ-14-XQ, were intercepted, valued at over N79 million,he added.
The seized fuel was auctioned to a range of stakeholders, including security agencies such as the Immigration Service, Police, DSS, EFCC, Army, NDLEA, NCoS, NSCDC, and the general public.
Comptroller Ejibunu also disclosed that a suspect involved in the smuggling operations was apprehended and granted administrative bail.
He expressed gratitude for the support of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and reiterated that Operation Whirlwind would continue to target fuel smugglers.
“This operation sends a strong message to smugglers,” he affirmed.
The seized tankers have since been handed over to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further investigation.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
