The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, has authorized the sale of seized Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) to residents of Yola in Adamawa State at a subsidized price, with the proceeds being deposited into the Federation Account. This decision follows the recent seizure of petroleum products by operatives of Operation Whirlwind in the Adamawa-Taraba region.
Comptroller Hussain Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, stated that this initiative is aimed at alleviating the effects of the subsidy removal in the state, while also praising Adeniyi and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for their support. The seized products, which were intended for illegal export, were confiscated through intelligence and surveillance operations, helping to ease fuel shortages in the region.
The total seized products included 1,124 jerrycans of varying sizes (25, 40, and 60 liters), 53 drums (200 liters each), and 21,000 liters transported in two tankers, amounting to 71,965 liters valued at over N81.5 million. Most of the seizures took place along the Cameroon-Nigeria border.
Ejibunu also noted that 13 out of the 14 intercepted tankers were transferred to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Yola for further handling. He confirmed that a suspect linked to smuggling activities has been arrested and is currently facing prosecution.
Ejibunu highlighted that Operation Whirlwind has played a significant role in stabilizing the fuel supply in Adamawa State, reducing scarcity and price fluctuations. He emphasized that the operation’s broader strategy is focused on curbing illegal oil bunkering and the activities of unlicensed marketers.
Comptroller Garba Bashir, the Customs Area Controller for the Adamawa/Taraba Command, underscored the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in combating these issues.
