NCS Bolsters Fight Against Fuel Smuggling with Fresh Deployments

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of its ongoing effort to combat fuel smuggling across the Country’s borders, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deployed newly inducted Officers to Operation Whirlwind, a tactical unit launched in May 2024 to check the illegal movement of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across Nigeria’s borders.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.

According to the statement, the induction ceremony, held on 3 June 2025, in Abuja, depicted a renewed commitment to national economic protection, as the Officers were charged to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and vigilance.

Addressing the operatives, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR underscored the importance of their assignment, stating “We must always affirm to be above board on all matters. Ensure that your integrity is never compromised, and you are not found to have abused your position in this operation. Customs is critical to achieving the vision of fuel product availability in Nigeria”.

CGC Adeniyi stressed that through the operation Whirlwind, the Agency must deliver impactful service to the nation. “We want to be sure our fuel is not smuggled into neighbouring countries. Most importantly, we must leverage technology. Programmes will be organised to enable you take advantage of the Geospatial Intelligence tool while on the field,” he noted.

Also, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Hussein Ejibunu, stressed that the mission’s success depends on strategic execution, discipline, and individual commitment.

He encouraged the newly deployed officers to sustain the tempo and operational momentum already established.

Operation Whirlwind continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, while reaffirming the NCS’s role in national economic security.