Customs on PMS Anti-Smuggling Rampage, as Ejibunu Led Operations Whirlwind Again Burst Smugglers’ Bubble in Adamawa
… Recovers 916 Kegs of PMS Worth ₦22.9M
The Nigeria Customs Service Operations Whirlwind seems to have gone on rampage in its Anti-Smuggling campaign against Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) when her operatives recently recorded yet another massive seizure success in Adamawa State.
This renewed crackdown on fuel smuggling by the Service, through the virile Operation Whirlwind Unit led by Assistant Comptroller HK Ejibunu as Co-ordinator, has once again dealt a significant blow to illicit PMS traders in Adamawa State, as it’s operatives intercepted about 916 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which value was put at ₦22.9 million.
According to the press statement made available to the media by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Maiwada, the seizure was carried out at key flashpoints areas in Maiha, Mubi, Gurin, and Bele, as announced during a press briefing on 14 March 2025.
According to the statement of the Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind himself, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Hussein Ejibunu, it stated that each intercepted keg, containing 25 litres, brought the total to 22,900 litres of PMS.
ACG Ejibunu described the operation as intelligence-driven and executed precisely, demonstrating the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s resources and ensuring compliance with trade regulations.
He stated that the latest seizure follows another major interception on the Taraba axis. On 13 March 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, alongside some members of his management team, announced the confiscation of 1,149 jerrycans of PMS in Gembu, Taraba State, totalling 34,470 litres.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind further emphasized the agency’s determination to combat fuel smuggling, which continues to threaten Nigeria’s economy and security. “The relentless efforts of Operation Whirlwind have once again yielded significant results. This interception is not just a victory for the Customs Service but a testament to the effectiveness of our intelligence-driven approach and the supportive collaboration of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA),” he said.
Furthermore, he reiterated that the smuggling of PMS remains a major challenge, which is driven by economic disparities and the lure of quick profits. He however quickly responded that, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in dismantling fuel smuggling networks, making the trade unattractive and bringing economic saboteurs to justice.
He commended the officers involved in the operation, saying, “I want to commend the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind for their bravery, vigilance, and professionalism. Your dedication inspires confidence in our ability to protect Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.”
He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Customs office, stressing the need for a collective effort to tackle smuggling and ensure economic stability.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Customs Area Controller in charge of Adamawa/Taraba, Comptroller Garba Bashir, whose Area of jurisdiction the PMS seizure was carried out, commended Operation Whirlwind’s efforts in curtailing the smuggling of petroleum products in the area, noting that these efforts have significantly assisted the command in reducing fuel smuggling.
Also at the briefing, a Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) representative, Grace Dauda, praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its determined fight against fuel smuggling. She called for the cooperation of other stakeholders and the people of Adamawa State. She reaffirmed the commitment of both NMDPRA and the Nigeria Customs Service to enforce government policies by leveraging technology, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration to combat smuggling and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.
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