The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi has decried the continued smuggling of petroleum products as a major threat to Nigeria’s economy, warning that such acts of sabotage not only drain national resources but also destabilize fuel markets and endanger national security.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, at the Customs House in Yola, Adamawa State, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu described smugglers as economic enemies determined to undermine government reforms and inflict hardship on citizens.
“These criminal activities are a direct assault on Nigeria’s economic stability,” Ejibunu said. “Smuggling contributes to artificial fuel scarcity, distorts pricing, and encourages a black market economy that benefits only a selfish few.”
Ejibunu, who spoke on behalf of the CG Adeniyi, revealed that officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the recently launched Operation Whirlwind, intercepted 1,959 jerry cans—approximately 49,000 litres—of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) being illegally transported through Nigeria’s northeastern border routes. The operation also led to the seizure of five vehicles, with the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) estimated at over ₦63 million.
The smuggled fuel was intercepted along notorious smuggling corridors including Dasin-Fufore, Belel-Farang, Mubi-Sahuda, Maiha, and Girei-Wuro Bokki.
“Upon sighting our operatives, the smugglers abandoned their illicit consignments in a desperate attempt to evade arrest,” he disclosed.
Ejibunu stressed that the seized PMS will be auctioned immediately in accordance with Section 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the proceeds will be remitted into the Federation Account.
Beyond enforcement, he appealed to communities in border areas to become active partners in the fight against smuggling. He called on traditional leaders to discourage youths from engaging in the illegal fuel trade.
“The fight against smuggling cannot be won by Customs alone,” Ejibunu noted. “We need the partnership of communities, media, and all stakeholders to safeguard our economy.”
He also commended the collaboration from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command.
“This operation demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies work together toward a common goal of national interest,” he added.
Ejibunu vowed that the campaign against fuel smuggling will not slow down, affirming that the Customs Service remains committed to rooting out all forms of economic sabotage.
