From right: National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, ACG H.K. Ejibunu, Commander of the NDLEA and Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller M.S. Shuaibu and other officers during the handover of the seized Indian Hemp in Lagos, Friday.

The Federal Operations Unit FOU, Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos and the special anti-smuggling taskforce codenamed Operation Whirlwind have intercepted petroleum products, especially Premium Spirit PMS packaged to be illegally exported neighbouring Republic of Benin, Cannabis Sativa also called Indian Hemp, used tyres, 50kg bags of rice, used vehicles and clothing materials as well as used gas cylinders and air condition units estimated at N1.8billion in both Ogun and Lagos States.

Some of the seized PMS and the six vehicles used as means of conveyance at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, Friday.

Meanwhile, Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has read the riot act to petroleum products smugglers and other economic saboteurs that the Service under his watch is sparing no efforts in clamping down on all economic saboteurs in the country if they fail to turn a new leaf.

The intercepted items comprise a total of 35, 535 litres of PMS with the means of conveyance loaded in 1,134 jerry cans of 25liters/30liters respectively and 33 drums at various notorious smuggling flashpoints within Badagry, Ajilete, Obada Imeko andIjoun axis, among others within both Lagos and Ogun States with a total Duty Paid Value of ₦58.4million.

Also seized were 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), 3,500 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, which is equivalent to six trailer loads, 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing, 41 sacks and bags of used footwear, 14 units of used vehicles popularly called tokunbo, 148 pieces of used tyres, 42 used gas cylinders, 31 units of air conditioning systems and 95 cartons of frozen poultry products.

Other notable seizures, which took place within a three-week period include one unit of 40-foot container with container number TRHU 83907321 fully loaded with used tyres, one unit of 20-foot container with identification number ONEU241369 containing medicaments.

The duo, which have intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering, also intercepted two units of 40-foot container with number MSKU 4796036, MAEU 9205708, and one truck with container body conveying used refrigerators, foreign supermarket items and used clothes, which were wrongly declared to invade duties. The total duty paid value of all the seized items has been put at N1.8billion while a total of nine suspects have been arrested.

Meanwhile the FOU Zone A, in addition to its enforcement duties, had also within the period engaged in revenue recovery efforts by scrutinising questionable declarations, correcting under-valuations, which led to the recovery of N95.6million through the issuance of demand notices DN where appropriate, while also ensuring full compliance with import and export regulations.

It has also maintained vigilance against smuggling and fraud and has remained a strong partner in trade facilitation, as it continues to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth, ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos Friday during a brief ceremony to hand over the seized Indian Hemp to the officials of the Lagos Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, assured that the Service will remain resolute in its determination to ensure effective border security in the country while curbing illegal smuggling of petroleum products.

Represented by the National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, who doubles as Assistant Comptroller General ACG in charge of Finance at the headquarters, ACG H.K. Ejibunu, the CGC further assured that the Service would continue to collaborate with the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and other sister security agencies to rid the country of smuggling and other trade –related malpractices around the country’s entry points and beyond.

“As part of our unwavering commitment to safeguard the nation’s economy, protect critical national assets, and combat the menace of smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its surveillance and enforcement operations across strategic flashpoints known for illicit petroleum product smuggling activities. Today, I am pleased to inform you of a significant breakthrough made by the gallant officers and men of Operation Whirlwind in Zone A, covering parts of Lagos and Ogun States respectively.

“These seizures and arrests underscore the strategic efficiency and operational dexterity of our anti-smuggling units. It is also a clear indication of the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service to clamp down on economic saboteurs whose actions threaten national energy security and undermine the policies of the Federal Government.

“It is pertinent to note that the smuggling of PMS not only results in revenue loss for the country but also places additional pressure on our already strained fuel supply chain. At a time when the nation is grappling with energy distribution challenges, we cannot afford to allow saboteurs to compromise our national interest for personal gain.

“Let me reiterate; that the Nigeria Customs Service will not relent. We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that Nigeria’s borders are protected against all forms of illegal trade and smuggling activities.I commend the commitment and bravery of officers and men of the Operation Whirlwind, and I urge all operatives across various formations to remain vigilant and resolute in their duties. We however call on citizens, especially those residing in border communities, to support the efforts of the Service by providing timely and credible information that will aid in the identification and apprehension of smugglers”, the CGC also said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Controller in charge of the FOU zone A, Comptroller M.S. Shuaibu, reiterated his commitment towards deploying intelligence-driven operations in its anti-smuggling campaign. He also thanked officers and men for their commitment.

He said: “The Federal Operations Unit under my watch remains deeply committed to executing its mandate with the utmost professionalism and in strict adherence to extant regulations. Our operations are conducted with restraint, respect for human rights, and a commitment to peaceful enforcement.

“To enhance synergy and support for our activities, I have embarked on familiarisation visits to traditional institutions and sister security agencies across the zone. These visits aim to deepen collaboration in our collective effort to combat trans-border crimes and enhance national security.

“These achievements would not be possible without the dedication and courage of our gallant officers, who risk their lives daily to secure our borders and protect the national economy. Their sacrifices are commendable and deserve public recognition.”