The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted petroleum products and vehicles worth over ₦63 million in a major anti-smuggling operation conducted across Adamawa State, officials announced on Friday.

The five-week special operation, codenamed "Operation Whirlwind," targeted key smuggling routes along Nigeria's northeastern border corridor, including Dasin-Fufore, Belel-Farang, Mubi-Sahuda, Maiha, and Girei-Wuro Bokki areas.

Assistant Comptroller General HK Ejibunu, representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, revealed during a press briefing at the Customs House in Yola that the seized items included 1,959 jerry cans of petrol—approximately 49,000 litres—and five vehicles used for transporting the contraband.

"The total duty-paid value of the seizures stands at ₦63,046,750," Ejibunu stated, adding that smugglers abandoned their cargo and fled upon sighting enforcement officers during the operations.

According to Ejibunu, the operation aligns with President Bola Tinubu's initiatives to enhance energy and food security in Nigeria. He emphasized that disrupting illegal fuel supply chains helps stabilize domestic prices and prevents artificial scarcity in the country.

Due to the flammable nature of the seized petroleum products, the Customs official announced that the confiscated petrol would be auctioned immediately in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023, with all proceeds to be remitted to the federation account.

The Customs Service has issued an appeal to border communities to support law enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities, warning that smuggling constitutes economic sabotage against the nation.

Ejibunu also acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders in the anti-smuggling campaign, including the media, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The operation represents part of ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat the illegal exportation of subsidized petroleum products across the country's porous borders to neighboring countries where fuel prices are significantly higher.