The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), operating under the special task force Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted petroleum products valued at N181.6 million within an eight-week period along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.

National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Kolapo Oladeji, announced the development during a press briefing on Thursday in Yola. He revealed that the seizures were recorded across major smuggling hotspots in Adamawa State through 55 separate operations.

“This operation is focused on enhancing energy and food security to drive economic growth, in line with the core mandates of President Bola Tinubu,” Oladeji said, adding that the task force in Zone D had intensified surveillance and tightened border control to curb illegal activities.

He warned smugglers to desist from sabotaging the nation’s economy and called for continued cooperation from stakeholders to support Adamawa’s socioeconomic development.

“We will ensure that the supply chains of these economic wreckers are dismantled in accordance with the law,” he said, noting that the ongoing clampdown has strengthened border security and contributed to stabilising the nation’s economy.

Oladeji also confirmed that the seized petroleum products will be auctioned to the public.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Abidemi Adewumi-Aluko, Assistant Legal Adviser in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, described the auction as a strategic step toward recovering national resources and preventing economic sabotage. She noted that smuggling petroleum products is a serious offence that carries a life imprisonment penalty due to its threat to national security.

She urged those involved in the illicit trade to desist immediately.