Operation Whirlwind: Ejibunu Seizes 14 loaded Fuel Tankers in Adamawa/Taraba
The northern axis of Yola has long been plagued by rampant petrol smuggling, facilitated by the region’s porous border towns. However, the tide has turned with the launch of Operation Whirlwind, a customs service initiative led by the uncompromising Comptroller HK Ejibunu.
Since its inception a few months ago, Comptroller Ejibunu has made four trips to Yola, dubbing them his “fourth missionary journey.” These visits have showcased the operation’s impressive seizure profile, highlighting the significant strides made in combating petrol smuggling in the region.
Comptroller Ejibunu has been making waves in the fight against petrol smuggling. Recently, he showcased seizures of petrol valued at over N81.5 million, all recorded within a month. But that’s not all – his team also intercepted 14 loaded fuel tankers that were being diverted, which were then handed over to the relevant petroleum agencies in Adamawa and Taraba.
These seizures are a significant blow to smugglers who aim to sneak petrol across the border to Cameroon, exacerbating scarcity in Nigeria. The Operation Whirlwind, led by Ejibunu, is clearly yielding results in the fight against economy sabotage.
The seized items include: 1,124 Jerry Cans of 25, 40 and 60 Litres Capacity each of PMS, 53 drums of 200 litres capacity each filled with PMS, 21,000 litres of PMS conveyed in two fuel tankers totalling 71,965 litres intended to be smuggled into the adjacent country, the Republic of Cameroon. Five vehicles and two motorcycle.
As part of the ongoing anti-smuggling efforts, operatives intercepted 14 fuel tankers loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) due to product diversion and smuggling. Thirteen of the tankers were handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Yola, while one was handed over to NMDPRA in Taraba State for further inter-agency action.
A suspect was also arrested in connection with the smuggling activities and is currently facing prosecution. The anti-smuggling crusade, dubbed Operation Whirlwind, has led to a stable and sufficient supply of PMS in Adamawa State, reducing scarcity and price instability.
The operatives have positioned their machinery across the nation’s frontiers to curb the activities of illegal oil marketers. The seized PMS will be auctioned to the public immediately, given its inflammable nature, as stipulated in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and Standard Operating Procedures. Proceeds from the auction will be remitted into the federation account.
To the patriotic Nigerians and the genuine oil Marketers, I want to inform you that Nigeria Customs Service is committed to facilitate legitimate trade as contained in NCS Act 2023 as this fight is against the illicit oil marketers and the economic saboteurs. I encourage all legitimate oil marketers to go out with their normal business without fear of harassment or seizure of their products.
To the press, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your invaluable contributions and implore to persevere in your advocacy against smuggling activities.
To the management of the Nigeria Customs service under the stewardship of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, we appreciate your efforts for continued support and by providing enabling environment for the team to operate effectively. The accomplishment recorded so far is predicated on the the cooperation and strong support from Adamawa/Taraba Area Command and other units of the service such as FOU ‘D’, CIU, SIS and other security agencies.
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