Customs Seizes 200,000 Litres Of Smuggled Fuel In Adamawa

In a decisive move against economic sabotage, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), led by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, has intensified its crackdown on fuel smuggling.

Announcing the latest development in Yola, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi condemned smugglers’ continued sabotage of Nigeria’s energy sector by describing their actions as a direct assault on the economy.

“Despite the well-articulated economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to stabilise the energy sector, some unpatriotic elements remain determined to undermine these efforts through complex smuggling operations.” CGC Adeniyi said.

According to him, intelligence-driven operations by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officers in the Adamawa/Taraba Command led to the interception of 199,495 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), adding that, “the operatives of Operation Whirlwind had successfully seized fuel, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦199,495,000, being smuggled across borders using tankers, jerry cans, and drums.”

The CGC also detailed the tactics used by smugglers, including night-time river crossings at Dasin Waterways, illegal storage facilities near border towns, and concealment in unauthorised dispensing points. “These economic saboteurs are determined to inflict hardship on law-abiding Nigerians, but let it be clearly understood that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect our national economy.” He stated.

Adeniyi stated further that Customs operatives carried out targeted interceptions at strategic smuggling routes, including Mova, Dasin, the Galamba-Song axis, and the Mubi-Maiha corridor.

He, however, assured Nigerians that the NCS would continue to adapt its strategies, strengthen intelligence gathering, and collaborate with security agencies to close in on smugglers, adding “There will be no safe haven for them within our operational areas.”

In his closing remarks, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance and Administration, ACG Hussain Ejibunu, praised the Customs chief for his leadership and the officers’ dedication. He also highlighted the importance of public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

By Fikunmi Sokoya