Operation Whirlwind Intercepts 39, 425 Liters Of PMS Worth N39.4 Million
By Asuquo Nuwak
Operation Whirlwind Intercepts 39, 425 Liters Of PMS Worth N39.4 Million
••• Seizes eight vehicles used as means of conveyance worth N24, 000.000 million
On 30th May 2025 at Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority ( NMDPRA), office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, office of the Comptroller-General of Customs, and gentlemen of the press gathered together to witness yet another historical milestone achievements by the Operation Whirlwind, Lagos, Ogun axis, resulting from seizures of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) made across various flash point around Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, Ajilete and others, with investigations confirming they were intended to be smuggled to neighbouring Benin Republic.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR psc (+), who was represented by the National Coordinator of the Operations Whirlwind, ACG HK Ejibunu, during the press briefing cast back his mind on last week Friday, when they were in Yola, Adamawa state, for the similar exercise, where they auctioned over 46,000 liters of pms seized by their gallant operatives in that zone.
He recalled that within the span of one year of this operation, so much have been achieved across all the zones, attributing the achievements to the commitment, dedication, and resilience of the operatives.
Beside, the efforts of these officers, in bringing down some of these smugglers of premium motor spirit pms, popularly known as petrol to their knees, have been commended by the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), NMDPRA, CGC and office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Furthermore, 1, 577 Jerrycan of pms (25) liters each, amounting to 39, 425 liters, and eight vehicles used as means of conveyance was seized.
So far, the Duty Paid Value of the pms products seized stood at N39, 425, 000.00 million, while means of conveyance stood at N24, 000.00 million, cumulatively amounting to N63, 425. 000 million.
Once again, he warned that there is no safe heaven and hiding place for smugglers and economic saboteurs, as the operatives will continue to disrupt all their illegal activities, reducing it to the barest minimum.
Moreover, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc (+) in his magnanimity directed that the PMS should be auctioned immediately after the press briefing to the Nigerian citizens, with a 25 liters Jerrycan, sold at an auction price of N10, 000
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG HK Ejibunu, who represented the CGC on seizures made on Lagos, Ogun axis, used the opportunity to thank their strategic partners in this operation, including the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), office of the Attorney- General, and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority NMDPRA officials for their unwavering support and cooperation.
He added that this operation could not have been successful without their collaboration.
In his speech, the Zonal Coordinator of zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, commended ACG Ejibunu, for his enormous seizures which Operation Whirlwind has made in recent time.
He however said, this success has shown that the Service is capable and competent to defend, protect Nigerian borders. He advised those perpetrating evil against the nation to look for better thing to do.
He urged pressmen to inform smugglers that they should look elsewhere, as Operation Whirlwind led by ACG Ejibunu are always on ground to protect the image of the nation, protect the security of the country and even go to the extend of bringing down those who are shipping arms and ammunition s into Nigeria.
In his commendable remarks during the press briefing, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, the Customs Area Controller of Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, expressed his pleasure to witness another significant achievements by Operation Whirlwind in the on-going efforts to stop the illicit activities of petroleum smugglers, and protect our economy.
Perhaps more important, the recent interception made by dedicated officers underscored the relentless commitment to grow the economy, and protect citizens from untold hardship.
On the other hand, he said this seizure represent concerted effort to combat smuggling, as the evident of increase smuggling at the border reflect the sacrifice and courage of officers, who are ready to safeguard our border.
Similarly, he said it is pertinent to recognize that every success recorded is a big blow against smugglers network and a step towards recording economic growth.
Furthermore, he said while they celebrate this achievements, it is important that they remain focus in their mandate of revenue generation, suppressing smuggling, while continuing to foster inter-agency collaboration among law enforcement agencies.
Again, in his commendable remarks during the press briefing, Mr Patrick A Musa, an official of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Lagos Zonal office, thanked men and officers of the Service for the work they have done so far.
He however, noted that this achievement has practically shown Nigerians that the officers and men of the Service are dependable, competent, and capable to man and monitor our border.
In her commendable remarks, Mrs Abidemi Adewunmi, who represented the Honourable Attorney- General of the Federation, said emphatically that it will not be business as usual, as currently they have some suspects under investigation that would be tried for offences in illegally dealing with petroleum products.
She said, she wants the public to know that the federal government of Nigeria is trying by bringing to book the offender of illegally dealing in petroleum products. She is quoted as saying: “It is our civic responsibility to encourage the public to speak, and act when possible and when necessary.
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