The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted over 69,375 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Adamawa and Taraba States, marking one of its largest operations under the ongoing Operation Whirlwind.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held on Thursday, July 31, at the Customs Headquarters in Yola, and made public to journalists on Sunday, August 3.
Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Hussain Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, briefed the press on the development.
“This briefing is to inform the public of recent breakthroughs in our operations against smuggling and economic sabotage within Zone D,” ACG Ejibunu said.
According to him, within the last six weeks, operatives seized 2,276 jerrycans of 25 litres of PMS and 19 jerrycans of AGO—amounting to over 69,000 litres—hidden and destined for illegal export across the border.
The smuggled fuel was confiscated along several notorious routes, including Malabu–Belel, Girei–WuroBokki, Gurin–Fufore, Jam Terry, Maiha, Jimeta Waterside, and the Mubi–Sahuda axis. Two vehicles used in the illegal transport of the products were also impounded.
Ejibunu used the opportunity to issue a firm warning to those targeting Customs officers in the line of duty.
“The Service will not tolerate any form of aggression against its officers. Such acts are criminal and will be met with the full force of the law,” he warned.
Also speaking, Comptroller Garba Bature Bashir, the Customs Area Controller for Adamawa/Taraba Command, praised the efforts of officers involved in Operation Whirlwind and underscored the dangers of smuggling.
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“Smuggling undermines economic growth, threatens national security, and erodes citizens’ welfare.
“This fight is not for Customs alone, but a shared responsibility. With collaboration and intelligence sharing, we can defeat this menace,” Bashir said.
He urged members of the public and media to support anti-smuggling campaigns through awareness, public education, and timely information sharing.
Other officials present included the Deputy National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Ike Oladeji, and the Adamawa State Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Bashir Sirajo.
Both commended Customs personnel for their commitment and echoed calls for zero tolerance for violence against operatives.
The NCS further disclosed that the confiscated PMS will be sold to the public at ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan, in accordance with federal directives aimed at easing fuel scarcity.
