The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted more than 195,000 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in a sweeping crackdown across Adamawa State, dealing a major blow to fuel-smuggling networks exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders.

Part of the seized fuel was auctioned to motorists at N600 per litre to prevent spoilage and hoarding, the Service said on Thursday.

55 Seizures in Eight Weeks

Addressing journalists at the Customs House in Yola, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi—represented by ACG Kolapo Oladeji, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind—said operatives recorded 55 separate seizures within eight weeks, valued at N181.6 million in Duty Paid Value.

The operation targeted well-known smuggling corridors including:

• Mubi–Sahuda
• Farang–Belel
• Gurin–Fufore
• Maiha
• Wuro Bokki
• Ribado waterways
• Muninga
• Bakin Kogi

Despite repeated enforcement actions, the ACG said smugglers continued to channel fuel toward border communities.

What Was Seized

The confiscated products included:

• 184,006 litres of PMS packed in 2,642 jerrycans
• 11,256 litres stored in a filling station
• 485 drums of 220 litres each
• Two large wooden boats used for transporting PMS toward border settlements

Fuel Smuggling Is “Economic Sabotage” — Customs

Oladeji said the crackdown aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s national security directive on fuel and food protection, describing fuel smuggling as “economic sabotage that deepens hardship by draining Nigeria’s scarce resources.”

He lamented the growing violence from smuggling rings. On October 19, officers on patrol along the Belel–Farang axis were ambushed during a midnight operation. Thankfully, no casualties were recorded.

“We will not relent. We will choke off the supply chains of these economic wreckers,” he vowed.

Border Communities, Journalists Praised

The ACG commended residents of border communities whose tips have led to major breakthroughs, urging them to “keep the candle burning” by reporting suspicious activities.

He also thanked the media for consistently exposing the economic dangers of smuggling, emphasising that “security is everyone’s business.”

Collaborating agencies acknowledged included:

• Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
• NMDPRA
• Adamawa/Taraba Customs Command
• CIU, SIS, CPU
• FOU ‘D’

Oladeji concluded by reaffirming Operation Whirlwind’s determination to sustain the offensive:

“We remain committed to building a Nigeria where smuggling is treated as a forbidden cake.”