In a major clampdown on cross-border fuel smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted petroleum products and vehicles worth over ₦63 million during a five-week special operation in Adamawa State.

The operation, codenamed Operation Whirlwind, was carried out across key smuggling hotspots in Nigeria’s northeastern corridor, including Dasin-Fufore, Belel-Farang, Mubi-Sahuda, Maiha, and Girei-Wuro Bokki.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Customs House in Yola on Friday, Assistant Comptroller General HK Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, said the seized items included 1,959 jerry cans of petrol—amounting to nearly 49,000 litres as well as five vehicles used in transporting the contraband.

Ejibunu disclosed that the total duty-paid value of the seizures stood at ₦63,046,750, adding that smugglers fled upon sighting enforcement officers, abandoning their illicit cargo in the process.

He said the operation is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s push for energy and food security, noting that disrupting illegal fuel supply chains helps stabilize prices and mitigate scarcity.

Given the flammable nature of the seized petrol, it will be auctioned immediately in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, with proceeds remitted to the federation account.

Ejibunu called on border communities to assist law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities and warned that smuggling amounts to economic sabotage. He also praised the media, the Office of the National Security Adviser, NMDPRA, and other stakeholders for their support in the fight against smuggling.