Petroleum products worth not less than N38 million have been intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) anti-petroleum smuggling initiative, Operation Whirlwind.
The interception by men and officers of NCS, Operation Whirlwind was sequel to an intensive crackdown in some parts of the country on illegal diversion of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol.
Apart from intercepting 20,500 litres of PMS which has a street value of about N38 million, the anti-smuggling initiative also seized no fewer than five vehicles in connection with the seizures.
These were disclosed by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu at the public auction of the seizures in Ikeja, Lagos recently.
Giving an insight into the seizures, Aliyu said the consignments were intercepted through intelligence-driven operations across major smuggling flashpoints in Lagos and Ogun States, especially Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme-Badagry corridors.
He revealed that the seizures comprised 820 jerry-cans of PMS each containing 25 litres reportedly being prepared for illegal export to neighbouring countries in violation of Nigeria’s petroleum distribution regulations.
The Customs Chief explained that the public auction was conducted in line with the provisions of the laws of the land which among other things stipulate the return of seized products into the legitimate domestic supply chain while ensuring transparency and accountability of its operations in the country.
Aliyu warned smugglers of petroleum products that NCS, Operation Whirlwind would continue to deploy surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations to dismantle criminal networks threatening Nigeria’s energy security and government revenue over the years.
His words: “Petroleum smuggling undermines economic stability, distorts supply chains and fuels criminal activities. We remain committed to identifying, intercepting and dismantling all networks involved in the illegal diversion of petroleum products.
“Let this exercise serve as a clear warning to all individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products. Operation Whirlwind remains intelligence-driven, proactive, and uncompromising in its resolve.”
Maritime Bits checks revealed that Operation Whirlwind was established by the NCS High Command which has its headquarters in the nation’s capital, Abuja as a national strategy to combat petroleum products smuggling across the country.
It is on record that NCS Operation Whirlwind has continued to partner with relevant agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to strengthen enforcement and protect national economic interests.
