Petrol Smuggling: 53,000 Liters Seized In Kwara In 2 Months As CG Adeniyi Says ‘Due Process’ Was Followed In Retaining Officers
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has sought the cooperation of community leaders and all patriotic citizens in respect of the fight against smuggling in the country.
Noting that ‘a collective effort’ will strengthen the fight against smuggling, he added that this is also key to the success of the security agency’s anti-smuggling operations.
The Customs Chief said this in Ilorin during his visit to the Kwara Area Command on Monday.
Submitting that ‘Operation Whirlwind’ was established to curb illegal exportation of petroleum products, the Comptroller General sought the support and cooperation of members of the public to achieve the mandate and objectives of the NCS.
Commending the Area Command’s collaboration with other security agencies, he emphasized the need for all to work cooperatively noting that it becomes easier to get things done cognizant that ‘we are working towards common goals and objectives’.
Lamenting that the persistent challenge of petrol smuggling in the country has continued to pose a big problem to the nation’s economy, he added that efforts are being made to nip this in the bud while noting that ‘we have observed disturbing trends of sophisticated smuggling’.
The Comptroller General also said the NCS has been engaging with the stakeholders to make them recognize the fact that smuggling of petrol will hamper the nation’s economy.
He added that the ‘Operation Whirlwind’ which was launched in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has through intelligence-driven operations, and routine enforcement activities achieved significant results in respect of curbing smuggling of petroleum products in the country.
Adeniyi, who noted that he was in the Area Command to assess overall operational capacity and engage with officers on the frontline , submitted that the 17 land borders in the country demands more than conventional enforcement process adding that things are now being done through an integrated border security strategy that combines advanced surveillance technology, real- time intelligence gathering capacity and active community engagement.
This multi-layer approach has according to him enhanced ability to thwart smugglers.
He also disclosed that the Geospatial Unit established by the NCS has begun to make needed impact having helped to thwart smugglers in Adamawa State recently.
He added that 12 retail outlets involved in smuggling activities have been sealed up, 23 vehicles impounded, 3 marketers reported to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for necessary sanctions while 7 suspects are currently facing charges.
He also said a total of 53,000 liters of pms was seized in Kwara State between January and February 11, 2025.
These includes 94 jerry cans containing 25 liters each in Gurei on January 14, 30 jerry cans in Bakubu area on January 16 , 65 jerry cans in Ilesa Baruba on January 20.
30 jerry cans in Gurei on 3rd February, 162 jerry cans in Kaiama forest with a Nissan pickup MHA 55 6FD impounded and a suspect, Mr. Nafiu Salami released on administrative bail.
A truck with plate registration number BDU44 ZB which was transporting 33,0000 liters of PMS valued at 33million naira was intercepted on February 11, 2025, while a seizure was also made on Valentine’s Day in Bankobo area .
The Customs Chief said Operation Whirlwind’ will continue to tackle those he called ‘economic saboteurs’ by stopping the smuggling of petroleum products while listing the achievements recorded so far to include stability in the supply of petrol.
Adeniyi also commented on his scheduled appearance before the Committee on Public Petitions of the House of Representatives tomorrow asserting that ‘due process’ was followed in respect of all that the NCS has done on his watch.
Officers who were retained according to him only enjoyed such an opportunity after getting the go-ahead from the relevant bodies asserting that ‘we are guided by law, and we have followed due process’.
‘We will be there tomorrow, they are the representatives of the people and we will explain things to them’ he added
Recall that Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation, a civil society organization, had petitioned the House of Representatives alleging that some officers who are comptrollers and assistant comptrollers are due for retirement but have refused to retire from the NCS-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
