The seizure was carried out by Operation Whirlwind, the Customs anti-smuggling initiative, as part of efforts to prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on Wednesday.

Aliyu said the operation led to the recovery of 1,548 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, with each container holding 25 litres. The total volume recovered amounted to 38,700 litres.

According to him, a vehicle allegedly used to transport the petroleum products was also intercepted during the exercise.

The combined duty-paid value of the seized petrol and the vehicle was put at ₦63.115 million.

Aliyu identified the affected locations as Malabu-Belel, Girei-Wuro Bokki, Gurin-Fufore, Wuro Alhaji-Maiha and Mubi-Sahuda. He explained that the seizures followed intelligence-led operations targeting suspected smuggling routes and identified hotspots across the state.

He said the initiative was designed to disrupt suspected smuggling networks and prevent petroleum products intended for Nigeria’s domestic market from being unlawfully moved across the country’s borders.

The Customs official reaffirmed the operation’s commitment to combating petroleum smuggling and other forms of illicit trade, stressing that enforcement activities would continue to protect the national economy and safeguard public safety.

Operation Whirlwind is a Nigeria Customs Service initiative established to tackle the illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products. The programme focuses on intelligence gathering, surveillance and enforcement to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and support domestic energy security.

Reporting by TalkNaija Media