Ibrahim Muhammad
The Nigeria Customs Service, under Operation Whirlwind, has seized petroleum products valued at N181.6 million within eight weeks along the Nigeria–Cameroon border. The National Coordinator of the operation, ACG Kolapo Oladeji, announced this during a press briefing in Yola.
He explained that the seizures were made during 55 operations carried out at major smuggling routes across Adamawa State. According to him, the operation is part of efforts to strengthen energy and food security and support President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda.
Oladeji noted that Operation Whirlwind has intensified surveillance and tightened border security across its areas of responsibility. He warned smugglers to stop their illegal activities and urged stakeholders to support government efforts to protect the economy.
He added that the operation aims to destroy the supply networks of economic saboteurs in line with the law. According to him, their efforts have contributed to economic reforms and enhanced border security.
The seized petroleum products, he said, would be auctioned to the public. A legal adviser from the Attorney General’s office, Abidemi Adewumi-Aluko, said smuggling endangers national security and attracts severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
*PENGASSAN Urges FG to Expose Terrorism Sponsors*
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on the Federal Government to publicly identify and prosecute the sponsors of terrorism in the country. The union made the call during a press conference in Abuja after its National Executive Council meeting.
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, said insecurity has worsened in recent weeks, posing a serious threat to development and citizens’ safety. He stated that appointing a new Minister of Defence was positive but not enough to solve the security crisis.
Osifo questioned why the government had repeatedly claimed to know the financiers of terrorist groups without naming or arresting them.
He said Nigerians are tired of constant condolences after killings without strong action from authorities.
He urged the government to divert funds from non-critical sectors to purchase equipment needed to combat terrorist groups.