Some of the seized and auctioned PMS on display.
Story by Dili Utomi
Operation Whirlwind, the unit created by the Comptroller-General of Customs to tackle the smuggling of petroleum products has continued to deal real below to the pockets of economic saboteurs. Recent seizures of large quantities of premium motor spirit (PMS) has culminated in the auction of 14,875 litres of the product.
The coordinator of the Unit is the firm and focused Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abubakar Lucky Aliyu who addressed the press during the auctioning ceremony, Tuesday at the premises of the Customs Training School, Ikeja Lagos as he opened the auction to the public.
DC Aliyu had noted that “The Nigeria Customs Service continues to uphold its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s economy, protecting vital assets, and tackling all forms of smuggling and economic sabotage”. He added “Recently, efforts have been significantly intensified through improved surveillance, stronger intelligence operations, and more robust enforcement activities along major routes identified for the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products”.
Operation Whirlwind is a targeted anti-smuggling initiative designed to prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders. Its core aim is to safeguard the nation’s economic interests, strengthen energy security, and ensure that petroleum products intended for local consumption are not unlawfully diverted for export.
The coordinator said “Over the past (4) four weeks, acting on credible intelligence, our operatives successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighboring countries. During this operation, a total of 595 jerry-cans of 25 litres each were intercepted, amounting to 14,875 litres. These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized products stands at Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Seven- Five Thousand Naira Only ₦14,875,000.00”.
DC Aliyu inspecting the jerry cans of PMS on display.
His words “The Seized PMS Products up for auction today were seized through dedicated enforcement operations and reliable intelligence. They had been earmarked for illegal export to neighbouring country in direct contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products”.
The seizure of the item is in line with legal provisions and the avowed commitment of the men of the unit to transparency, accountability and due process, the seized PMS was then being disposed of through public auction. The action ensures that the products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than being diverted into illegal channels.
The auction was being carried out with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to guarantee transparency, accountability, and integrity, in the whole disposal process therein.
The coordinator used the occasion to applaud the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its technical proficiency and regulatory oversight, which help ensure that enforcement measures adhere to best practices while effectively addressing weaknesses in the distribution network.
DC Aliyu addressing the press at the occasion.
Furthermore, he appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team for their visionary leadership and unwavering support, which he said have enabled Operation Whirlwind to achieve measurable success.
Again, DC Aliyu salutes the dedicated officers and personnel of Operation Whirlwind, along with their partner agencies. He noted that their professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment have made this interception possible and continue to thwart the efforts of smugglers and economic saboteurs.
He issued a firm warning to anyone still engaged in illegal smuggling of petroleum products as he said that the era of impunity is over. Operation Whirlwind remains determined, proactive, and intelligence-led in its approach. We will persist in tracking, intercepting, and dismantling smuggling networks wherever they operate.
DC Aliyu calls on members of the public, especially residents of border communities, to keep supporting security agencies by providing accurate and timely information. He said “Combating smuggling is a shared responsibility, and your cooperation is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests”.
For advertisement and more information, please contact us 08027590195, 08035721540 or email us at greatalternativenigltd@gmail.com, diliutomi1@gmail.com. or send us messages on x @dn_utomi or on Instagram @utomidili
