Smuggling

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dealt a significant blow to fuel smugglers through Operation Whirlwind after confiscating two lorries, 1,046 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and 12 drums of petroleum products.  

This was announced by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Aliyu Alajogun on October 9, 2024, in Yola, Adamawa State. 

Since its launch on June 10, 2024, Operation Whirlwind has been intensifying efforts across multiple border regions, which so far yielded substantial seizures in various locations, that include the North-West borders in the Sokoto-Kebbi axis, the South-West borders around the Seme-Badagry and Idiroko axis, and the southern borders in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.  

Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, having been represented by Alajogun, said, “Our ongoing operations have recorded substantial seizures in various locations.” 

The Customs chief announced the seizure of two lorries carrying smuggled petroleum products, 1,046 kegs filled with PMS, and 12 drums of petroleum products, with one suspect apprehended in connection with these smuggling activities. 

According to Adeniyi, “The full force of the law will be brought to bear on anyone caught smuggling our nation’s resources.”  

He also urged Nigerians, especially those in Adamawa and other border states, to support the operation.

He noted that “Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in our collective efforts to safeguard our nation’s resources and ensure that the benefits of fuel price deregulation are fully realised by all Nigerians.” 

The seized products will be auctioned off at two petrol stations in Yola at ₦630 per litre. 

National Coordinator Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu lamented the negative consequences of aiding smugglers in their illegal activities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched “Operation Whirlwind,” a targeted offensive against petroleum product smugglers, and has already recorded significant seizures and disruptions to smuggling operations. 

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi announced on Monday that the service had intercepted 150,950 liters of PMS, valued at N105,965,391, in various locations nationwide within a week. 

The CGC attributed the success to credible intelligence and strategic efforts to address fuel smuggling, which has seen a significant increase in recent months, particularly in Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states. 

The service has collaborated with the Office of the National Security Adviser to dismantle smuggling cartels and defend the national currency. 

Notable seizures include 45,000 liters of PMS in a tanker at Mubi, Adamawa State, on May 31 and June 1, and 92,928 liters of PMS in jerry cans at various locations in Adamawa, Sokoto, and Cross River states between June 3 and 7. 

The total value of seizures stands at N196,524,075.50, raising concerns about national security and economic sabotage. 

The CGC lamented the increase in smuggling and vowed to continue the operation to ensure Nigerians benefit from fuel price deregulation, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has inaugurated a new tactical team, Operation Whirlwind, aimed at combating the smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries. 

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, CGC Adeniyi stated the crucial role the team will play in protecting the nation’s economy from the adverse effects of smuggling petroleum products.

“Economic saboteurs must be brought to justice,” he declared. The team, which was set up to curb smuggling, particularly of petroleum products diverted to neighbouring countries, will undergo a workshop to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their mission. CGC Adeniyi highlighted the significance of the workshop and the strategic importance of the new operation.

“This is not a task force or the setting up of checkpoints,” he clarified.

“This is an intelligence-driven operation that will support the political will at the highest level. Our dedication and loyalty must not be compromised. There will be serious consequences against whoever acts against this mission. There is zero tolerance for sabotage.” 

The team was urged to work together to achieve their mission, with CGC Adeniyi stressing that “you were selected because you can do the job. Your coordinator’s record is impeccable, and your assignment can’t succeed without you working as a team. You are to complement the existing structure. You are not going as competitors; you are going to fight people sabotaging our efforts.” 

The Director of Legal Services is scheduled to educate the team on the proper procedures for filing seizures, ensuring that all legal aspects of their operations are handled correctly. 

The inauguration of Operation Whirlwind marks a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against smuggling and economic sabotage.

As the team prepares to embark on their mission, the Comptroller-General of Customs asserts that the expectation is clear: to protect Nigeria’s economic interests with unwavering dedication and integrity.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to unveil a state-of-the-art customs analytical laboratory, Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, says. 

The initiative, slated to roll out between the second and third quarters of 2024, aims to fortify the NCS’s ability to detect and deter smuggling, counterfeit goods, and other unlawful practices. 

Addressing the media at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, CGC Adeniyi stated the laboratory’s significance in upholding customs regulations.

Describing it as a specialized facility equipped with cutting-edge analytical instruments, he highlighted its pivotal role in ensuring compliance through accurate testing and analysis of imported and exported goods. 

“The Customs Analytical Laboratory will play a crucial role in safeguarding public health, safety, and economic interests,” said CGC Adeniyi.

By harnessing advanced technology and expertise, the NCS anticipates a substantial enhancement in its capacity to combat illicit trade activities, thus fostering trade facilitation and bolstering confidence in the customs system’s integrity. 

In addition to strengthening import controls, CGC Adeniyi shed light on initiatives aimed at fostering export growth and aligning with national agendas.

Discussions with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) have been initiated to sustain the positive momentum in export transactions, with a dedicated technical committee established for this purpose. 

“The NCS remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting export trade, diversifying the economy, and positioning Nigeria for success in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” affirmed CGC Adeniyi.

As part of broader reforms, measures are underway to streamline customs processes and enhance public accessibility to verification tools for customs documents, including duty payments on vehicles. 

Noting ongoing efforts to enhance port operations, CGC Adeniyi disclosed plans for the introduction of a Single Window system under the stewardship of the Minister of Finance.

The imminent inauguration of the steering committee responsible for its implementation signals a proactive stride towards modernizing trade facilitation mechanisms in Nigeria.