The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, says the Service is determined to clamp down on economic saboteurs across the country.
The Customs chief made this known during a briefing held by Operation Whirlwind, Zone ‘D’ Axis, in Yola.
This followed a breakthrough recorded by the operation in the last quarter of 2025, with significant progress in its anti-smuggling campaign, resulting in the seizure of goods worth N181,603,515 in Adamawa State.
The seizures were recorded over an eight-week period, during which 55 smuggling incidents occurred at various hotspots in the state.
The confiscated items include 184,006 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) packaged in 2,642 jerry cans, 11,256 liters of PMS found at a service station and 485 jerry cans of 220 liter capacity each. Two large wooden boats used to transport smuggled products were also seized.
Dr Adeniyi, represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Kolapo Oladeji, said the operation is geared towards promoting energy and food security as well as fostering economic growth in line with the core mandates of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He explained that the Customs Service has strengthened its machinery to ensure that the borders are airtight, making it difficult for economic saboteurs to continue their illegal activities.
He added that despite repeated warnings, there have been cases of mob attacks against officers, an action he described as regrettable.
However, he vowed that the Service will not relent in its aggressive anti-smuggling campaign and will continue to disrupt the supply chains of economic offenders in accordance with the law.
“We will come for you,” he declared.
He noted that the fight against smuggling has contributed to transforming the nation’s economy and improving border security.
The Customs Service praised the efforts of its personnel, especially those stationed along the borders, for providing timely information on the activities of smugglers.
Dr. Adeniyi also appreciated the collaboration of the media in educating the public on the negative impact of smuggling on the economy and national security.
He thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and other sister agencies for their support in the anti-smuggling campaign.
“I urge citizens to join the fight against smuggling, security is everyone’s business.
“The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities so that together we can build a nation where smuggling becomes a thing of the past.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to its mandate of protecting the nation’s borders and promoting economic growth,” he said.