NCS Confiscates N181.6m Petroleum Products in Eight-Week Anti-Smuggling Operation

The Nigeria Customs Service, operating under the ongoing Operation Whirlwind initiative, has intercepted petroleum products valued at N181.6 million along the Nigeria–Cameroon border within an eight-week period.

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General Kolapo Oladeji, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday in Yola. He noted that the seizures were recorded across multiple smuggling hotspots in Adamawa State during 55 coordinated enforcement operations, all aimed at curbing illegal fuel movement across the border.

Oladeji explained that the operation aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goals of boosting energy security, protecting the economy, and ensuring that petroleum resources remain within Nigeria for domestic benefit. He said the deployment of manpower, surveillance systems, and strategic patrols has been strengthened across Zone D to ensure the borders remain “airtight” against illicit activities.

He issued a stern warning to smugglers to desist from the act, stressing that the Customs Service would continue to dismantle smuggling networks and disrupt their supply chains. According to him, every arrest and seizure contributes to national economic stability and enhances security in border communities.

Oladeji also revealed that the confiscated petroleum products will be formally auctioned to the public in accordance with statutory procedures.

Speaking on the legal implications, Mrs. Abidemi Adewumi-Aluko, Assistant Legal Adviser at the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, said smuggling petroleum products poses a serious national security threat and carries penalties that may include life imprisonment. She described the planned auction as an economic recovery measure to ensure national resources are not lost to illegal trade.

She called on individuals involved in cross-border fuel smuggling to withdraw from such activities and support the government’s efforts to protect the nation’s economic integrity.

The operation, according to officials, forms part of ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders, safeguard petroleum supply channels, and prevent revenue loss to criminal cartels.