The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted nearly 49,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and five vehicles in a renewed offensive against fuel smuggling in Nigeria’s northeastern corridor. The operation, codenamed Operation Whirlwind, led to seizures valued at over ₦63 million in Duty Paid Value.
Speaking during a press briefing in Yola on Friday, May 23, 2025, the National Coordinator of the operation, Assistant Comptroller-General Hussein Ejibunu, described the crackdown as a result of intelligence-led, coordinated enforcement efforts within Zone D.
The PMS was seized across notorious smuggling routes including Dasin-Fufore, Mubi-Sahuda, and Girei-Wuro Bokki, with smugglers abandoning their cargo and fleeing the scene. Ejibunu emphasized that the move aligns with the Federal Government’s economic protection agenda under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and CGC Adewale Adeniyi.
In line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the seized fuel will be auctioned immediately, with proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.
Ejibunu urged border communities and traditional rulers to support anti-smuggling efforts and discourage youth involvement in economic sabotage, reaffirming that the fight against smuggling requires a collective national effort.
The Customs boss commended the cooperation of relevant government agencies and security stakeholders in ensuring the operation’s success.
