Customs Seizes 38,700 Litres of Petrol in Adamawa

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its anti-smuggling initiative, Operation Whirlwind, has seized 38,700 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, during enforcement operations across border communities in Adamawa State.

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind and Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Yola, where he presented the results of a six-week crackdown on suspected petroleum smuggling.

Aliyu said the seized products, alongside a vehicle allegedly used to transport them, had a combined duty-paid value of ₦63.115 million.

He explained that the interceptions followed intelligence-led operations targeting identified smuggling routes and locations suspected of facilitating the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.

The affected corridors included Malabu-Belel, Girei-Wuro Bokki, Gurin-Fufore, Wuro Alhaji-Maiha and Mubi-Sahuda.

According to him, Customs operatives recovered 1,548 jerrycans of petrol, each with a capacity of 25 litres, bringing the total volume seized to 38,700 litres. A vehicle allegedly used to convey the products was also intercepted.

Aliyu said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to disrupt smuggling networks, protect the national economy and prevent the unauthorised movement of petroleum products out of the country.

He warned that the illegal diversion of petrol intended for the domestic market could undermine efforts to maintain adequate supplies and create additional challenges for the distribution of energy products.

The Customs official reiterated that Operation Whirlwind would continue to deploy intelligence gathering and surveillance to identify smuggling routes and intercept suspected consignments.

He added that suspected offenders would be pursued in accordance with the law, with the aim of dismantling networks involved in the illicit trade.

The operation reflects the NCS’s continuing efforts to strengthen border enforcement and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests against petroleum smuggling and other forms of illegal cross-border trade.