By Lucky Aliyu
I welcome you all to this public auction exercise. It is a distinct privilege to address you today on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, FNIPR, DSM, PSC(+), at this significant public auction of 43,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), intercepted by Operation Whirlwind Team of Niger/Kwara Axis.
As the core mandate of Operation Whirlwind to curb the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products, our operatives, based on credible intelligence, successfully intercepted another consignment of PMS at Kwara axis and its environs.
This operation, executed with precision and diligence, resulted in the seizure of 1,510 jerry cans of 25 litres each of PMS and 30 drums of 200 litres each of PMS, yielding a total volume of 43,750 litres, with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Forty Three Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only (N43, 750, 000).
These seizures were carried out across several strategic flashpoints, notably Kaima Axis, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu, and Salla-Gwanara of Kwara Axis.
The successful interception of this seized consignment underscores our resolute dedication to upholding the laws and policies designed to safeguard Nigeria’s strategic resources and ensure they are managed in a manner that serves the collective interest of all citizens. It is important to emphasize that the smuggling of petroleum products constitutes a serious act of economic sabotage. Beyond depriving the nation of critical revenue, it distorts the supply chain, leading to scarcity and inflated costs that unfairly burden honest Nigerians. Moreover, this unlawful activity strengthens organized criminal networks, weakens the integrity of our borders, and poses a broader threat to national security.
It is pertinent to acknowledge the pivotal role of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in providing strategic intelligence direction and comprehensive policy support, under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu mni, for his unwavering commitment to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges has been commendable, with his leadership playing a crucial role in promoting trust, collaboration, and synergy among all relevant stakeholders.
Equally commendable is the partnership with the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) which technical expertise and regulatory framework have ensured that our actions align with best practices while addressing the systemic challenges within the petroleum supply chain.
In addition, we extend our profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs and his entire management team for their forward-thinking leadership and steadfast support. Their strategic direction and commitment have been instrumental in positioning Operation Whirlwind to record tangible and impactful successes.
These achievements re-affirm our collective resolve to combat smuggling and illicit trade which threaten the social and economic well-being of our great nation. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of complex challenges.
I also commend the gallant officers and personnel of Operation Whirlwind as well as our collaborating partner agencies. Their discipline, professionalism, alertness, and tireless dedication have been central to this successful interception and remain vital in countering the activities of smugglers and other economic saboteurs.
Let this serve as a clear and unequivocal warning to all individuals involved in nefarious activities of illegal smuggling of petroleum products. The era of impunity has come to an end. Operation Whirlwind is resolute, proactive, and firmly driven by intelligence in its operations. We will continue to identify, pursue, intercept, and dismantle smuggling networks wherever they may exist.
We also appeal to the general public, particularly those residing in border communities, to sustain their co-operation with security agencies by providing credible and real time information. The fight against smuggling is a collective responsibility, and your support remains indispensable in protecting the nation’s economic stability.
Transparency and accountability remain at the core of our operational framework. This public auction exercise reflects our unwavering commitment to openness and the prudent management of seized petroleum products. All stakeholders and participants are therefore expected to comply fully with the established guidelines governing the process.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today’s occasion once again underscores the Federal Government’s firm resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s petroleum resources and to ensure that they are utilized in a manner that benefits all Nigerians.
As we proceed with this exercise, I wish to reassure the public that Operation Whirlwind will continue to enhance its surveillance capabilities, strengthen intelligence gathering, and intensify enforcement actions across all operational fronts. Together, we will bring an end to petroleum smuggling and preserve the integrity of our national economy.
Thank you all for your attention.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
*Being excerpts of the public auction address by the National Co-ordinator, Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Lucky Abubakar Aliyu on 43,750 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) intercepted by his team in Niger/Kwara axis in the Kwara State capital, Ilorin recently.
