CUSTOMS INTENSIFIES CRACKDOWN ON PETROLEUM SMUGGLING IN TARABA STATE

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its operations against petroleum smuggling, following a troubling surge in illegal fuel diversion along the Adamawa and Taraba State corridors. At a press briefing held in Taraba State, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, provided detailed insights into the recent seizures made under Operation Whirlwind, a specialized anti-smuggling initiative. Adeniyi emphasized that smuggling is a major economic and security threat, draining the nation's resources and undermining economic stability. He stated that petroleum smuggling not only causes revenue losses for the government but also creates artificial fuel scarcity, disrupts local markets, and strengthens transnational criminal networks. According to the Customs chief, this illicit activity has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond Nigeria’s borders, affecting regional supply chains and security.

The press briefing highlighted that smuggling cartels are taking advantage of Nigeria’s vast and porous borders to illegally export petroleum products. Adeniyi revealed that intelligence reports indicate a rise in fuel smuggling operations through the Adamawa and Taraba State routes, making them key transit points for illegal fuel movement into neighboring countries. “Our intelligence-gathering operations have identified a worrying pattern of fuel diversion. Smuggling syndicates exploit border communities, using backdoor routes to move petroleum products across international boundaries,” Adeniyi said. The Customs Service, under Adeniyi’s leadership, has responded by strengthening border security mechanisms and deploying advanced surveillance techniques. He assured that smuggling cartels would be dismantled through improved intelligence-sharing, closer inter-agency cooperation, and a crackdown on their supply networks.

To counter the growing smuggling trend, the Nigeria Customs Service launched Operation Whirlwind, a targeted enforcement strategy aimed at disrupting illicit fuel transportation. This operation yielded significant results in Taraba State, where Customs officers intercepted and seized thousands of liters of petroleum products intended for illegal export. Between March 8 and March 9, 2025, officers conducting routine surveillance in the Buruvi-Kaniaka axis detected suspicious fuel movement. Acting on intelligence reports, Customs swiftly mobilized enforcement units, leading to the interception of 1,149 jerrycans of petroleum (each containing 30 liters), totaling 34,470 liters. A specialized smuggling vehicle was also seized, with a combined duty-paid value of ₦33,780,600. Further investigations pointed to a larger smuggling network operating within the Gembu area, a key border town in Taraba State. Additional enforcement efforts in this region resulted in another major seizure of 1,480 jerrycans of petroleum along with another vehicle used for smuggling operations.

Adeniyi underscored that these seizures highlight the evolving tactics of smuggling syndicates, who continuously adapt their methods to evade law enforcement. The success of Operation Whirlwind reflects Customs’ commitment to staying ahead of such criminal activities through proactive intelligence and swift enforcement action. Petroleum smuggling remains one of Nigeria’s most significant economic challenges, contributing to fuel shortages and price hikes. When fuel meant for domestic consumption is illegally exported, local supply is disrupted, leading to artificial scarcity and increased hardship for citizens. The activities of smugglers also place additional pressure on government subsidies, costing the country billions in lost revenue. Adeniyi noted that smuggling has broader security implications, as proceeds from these illicit operations often fund other criminal activities, including armed banditry and insurgency. “We must recognize that fuel smuggling is not an isolated crime. It is deeply connected to transnational criminal networks that threaten national security,” he warned.

The Customs Service has adopted a multi-agency approach to tackling petroleum smuggling. Adeniyi explained that Operation Whirlwind has been reinforced through collaborations with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS). This partnership has enabled Customs to map out previously undocumented smuggling routes, particularly those in remote communities along the Taraba and Adamawa borders. According to Adeniyi, authorities are now better equipped to track, intercept, and neutralize smuggling operations before they escalate. Additionally, the Customs Service is deploying advanced surveillance technology, including drones and automated tracking systems, to monitor petroleum movement across border regions. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that smugglers have fewer escape routes and that Customs officers can swiftly respond to illegal fuel shipments.

While the Customs Service has intensified enforcement actions, Adeniyi stressed that tackling smuggling is a collective responsibility. He urged residents of border communities, business operators, and transporters to report suspicious fuel movements to the authorities. “We cannot win this fight alone. We need the public to assist by providing intelligence on smuggling activities. Any information shared will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” he assured. He also warned individuals and businesses against aiding smugglers, stating that anyone caught collaborating with smuggling networks would face the full weight of the law. As the Nigeria Customs Service intensifies its crackdown on petroleum smuggling, Adeniyi reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the country’s economic interests. He outlined future measures, including strengthening border surveillance with more deployment of Customs officers and advanced monitoring tools, increasing penalties for smugglers to serve as a deterrent, enhancing inter-agency collaboration to cut off smuggling supply chains, and expanding public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the dangers of smuggling.

Adeniyi expressed confidence that with sustained efforts, Nigeria could significantly reduce fuel smuggling and secure its economic resources. “Smugglers will have no hiding place. We will continue to hunt them down and ensure that our country’s resources are used for the benefit of Nigerians,” he declared. The press briefing by Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi underscored the seriousness of the government’s stance against petroleum smuggling. The recent seizures in Taraba State mark a major victory in the ongoing fight against fuel diversion, but Customs officials remain vigilant, knowing that smugglers will continue seeking new ways to bypass enforcement. With continued intelligence-driven operations, strengthened border security, and active public cooperation, Nigeria is making significant strides toward curbing petroleum smuggling. The battle may not be over, but Operation Whirlwind has demonstrated that the Nigeria Customs Service is fully committed to dismantling smuggling networks and safeguarding the nation’s economic and security interests.