The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against fuel smuggling, intercepting a massive consignment of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Adamawa State. The seizure, valued at over N181 million, marks the largest single confiscation of petrol ever recorded in the state.
Operation Whirlwind Nets Major Haul
According to an official statement, the operation was carried out by officers under 'Operation Whirlwind'. The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed the details through his representative, Assistant Comptroller General Kolapo Oladeji, the National Coordinator of the operation. The media briefing took place in Yola, Adamawa's capital.
The anti-smuggling drive, which spanned an intense eight-week period, resulted in a total of 55 separate seizures. The cumulative Duty Paid Value of the intercepted products reached a staggering N181.6 million.
Details of the Seized Contraband
The seized petroleum products amounted to over 184,000 litres of PMS. The breakdown of the confiscated items is as follows:
- 2,642 jerrycans of 25-litre fuel.
- 11,256 litres discovered concealed within a filling station.
- 485 drums, each with a 220-litre capacity.
In addition to the fuel, operatives also impounded two large wooden boats used by smugglers to transport the product through waterways. The seizures occurred across notorious smuggling routes in the state, including:
- Mubi–Sahuda
- Farang–Belel
- Gurin–Fufore
- Maiha, Wuro Bokki
- Ribadu waterways
- Muninga and Bakin Kogi
Combating Economic Sabotage and Ensuring Security
Comptroller General Adeniyi emphasized that the seizures were critical in preventing economic sabotage. He stated that the operation aligns with national objectives on energy security, food security, and economic stability. The action also reinforces the Service's commitment to enforcing the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directives on protecting national assets.
"These seizures are not just statistics," Adeniyi noted. "They represent fuel that would have been diverted into illicit markets outside the country, worsening fuel scarcity, creating artificial inflation, and undermining government revenue."
Rising Attacks on Officers and Call for Community Support
Despite the operational success, the Customs boss raised serious concerns about increasing attacks on its personnel by smugglers. He cited a specific incident on October 19, 2025, where officers on patrol along the Farang–Belel axis were ambushed by a mob around 1:00 a.m. He commended the officers for their professionalism in securing the products without any casualties.
ACG Oladeji warned that such threats would not deter the Service. He announced that Operation Whirlwind is being strengthened to further secure border areas and dismantle smuggling networks. He also acknowledged the vital role played by border communities, whose timely intelligence contributed significantly to the interceptions. Oladeji urged these communities to continue their cooperation with security agencies in the collective fight against smuggling.
The report comes amidst broader concerns about smuggling. A civic group, Concerned Nigerians, has previously alleged the involvement of some customs officials in aiding smuggling activities, calling for stricter border controls to boost national security and investor confidence.
