Nigeria Customs Hits Economic Saboteurs, Confiscates 199,495 Litres of Smuggled Fuel

Nigeria Customs Hits Economic Saboteurs, Confiscates 199,495 Litres of Smuggled Fuel.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has intensified its crackdown on fuel smuggling, Confiscates about 200,000 litres of fuel in Adamawa State under Operation Whirlwind.

Speaking on the latest development in Yola, the customs Boss 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.” He said.

According to him, intelligence driven operations by the Nigeria Customs Service in the Adamawa/Taraba command led to the arrest of 199,495 litres of petrol, adding that, the operatives of Operation Whirlwind had successfully seized fuel, with Duty Paid Value of #199,495,000 being smuggled across borders using tankers, jerry cans and drums.”

He also detailed the method used by smugglers, including night time river crossing 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 citizens, but let it be clearly understood that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect our national economy,” he added.

According to him, customs operatives carried out targeted interceptions at strategic locations .including Mova, Dasin, the Galamba-Song axis, and the Mubi-Maiha corridors.

He however, assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service under his watch 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 for them within our operational areas.”

In a 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 highlighted the importance of public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies.