…Reiterates Commitment to Tackling Smuggling, as Service auctions 25-litre jerricans for N10,000

Operation Whirlwind, an arm of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) designated for tackling smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol), has made its largest single seizure in Kebbi State since its operation began.

Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Financial Administration and Special Duty, as well as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, disclosed this on Tuesday, March 2025, during a press briefing in Kebbi state.

According to Ejibunu, the smuggling of PMS poses a serious threat to the Nigerian economy, leading to revenue losses, distortion of trade statistics, artificial scarcity, and threats to national security. 

He emphasised that the operation demonstrates the NCS’s unwavering commitment to curbing illegal fuel smuggling.

“This seizure marks a significant milestone in our efforts to protect Nigeria’s critical resources. 

The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in tackling smuggling activities that undermine government policies and economic stability,” he stated.

The interception, which was based on credible intelligence, occurred in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State after days of surveillance. 

The seized items include Truck Plate number DC 7184 RB (Nigeria Plate Number), which contains 766 jerry cans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS.

ACG Ejibunu also said that a truck with a Republic of Benin plate number AT 2457 RUP containing 1,454 25-litre jerrycans and 18 200-litre drums of PMS was intercepted.

According to him, another Truck marked BV C240 Arubi—a Republic of Benin plate number was laden with 1,350 jerry cans, each 25 litres, and 18 drums, each 200 litres, of PMS.

Additionally, 805 kegs of 25 litres of PMS were seized at various flashpoints in the zone, including Dole Kaina Zaria Kalakala Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya.

Ejibunu reiterated the NCS’s commitment to sustaining the fight against fuel smuggling and strengthening inter-agency collaboration to secure Nigeria’s borders.

The seized PMS was sold at a controlled price of 10,000 per 25-litre jerrican to ensure the citizens benefit rather than the smugglers.

Speaking at the Press conference, Customs Area  Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwakureke, reiterated their commitment to combating smuggling in Kebbi State, emphasising a strengthened resolve to curb illicit trade activities.

Assured stakeholders of the agency’s dedication to enforcing trade regulations.

“We remain committed to facilitating trade and ensuring a seamless business environment for legitimate traders. 

“For smugglers, our operations will only intensify to bring smuggling to its lowest possible level,” he also said.

The event showcased recent seizures, underscoring the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations. 

Nwakureke commended the efforts of Customs officers in executing successful enforcement actions.

He also acknowledged the collaboration with sister agencies, highlighting their critical role in ongoing anti-smuggling initiatives.

“This success is a testament to the dedication and synergy between Customs and other security agencies. We will continue to work together to protect the nation’s economy,” Nwakureke added.

The NCS reaffirmed its determination to sustain momentum in tackling smuggling while strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to facilitate legitimate trade.

Meanwhile, on his way back from Kebbi, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Hussein Ejibunu visited the Sokoto Customs Area Command, where he met with Customs Area Controller  Sokoto- Zamfara Command, Comptroller Umar Abdulkadir and Officers and Men of the Service.

During the visit, he inspected command officers and men, reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to border security and the fight against smuggling.

Six people were killed and nine injured when a tourist submarine sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coastal city of Hurghada, security and medical sources told dpa on Thursday.

The tourist submarine, named Sindbad, was carrying 44 people of different nationalities on a cruise around the coral reefs in the Red Sea.

The sources added that 29 people had been rescued, with 21 ambulances dispatched to the scene.

Russian Consul General in Hurghada, Viktor Voropayev, said that at least four Russian tourists were killed in the accident.

He told the Russian state news agency (TASS) that a total of 45 Russian tourists, including a child, were on board the vessel.

Another source, the Egyptian Security, said that the submarine suffered an engine failure, although investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.

It said that of the original 44 people on board, 33 survivors had been rescued.

“Several bodies were recovered while some people remain missing,” it said.

Authorities said that a large wave, called Sea Story, hit the boat and caused it to capsize.

In November, a tourist boat capsized off the Egyptian Red Sea coast near Marsa Alam city.

– dpa

No fewer than 555 persons lost their lives in different petrol tanker fire explosions across Nigeria between January 2020 and January 2025, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) data reveals.

Mrs Joyce Alexander, Sector Commander, FRSC, Anambra  Command, made the data known in Awka on Thursday, during a town hall meeting on Tanker and Trailer Safety Challenges in Nigeria.

Alexander said the crashes, numbering about 80, also resulted in hundreds of persons being injured, as well as buildings, vehicles, and other valuables worth millions being destroyed.

She said that in 2020, there were 18 tanker explosions, resulting in 161 fatalities; In 2021, 19 tanker explosions caused 55 deaths; and in 2022, 14 tanker explosions claimed 76 lives.

According to her, in 2023, 13 tanker explosions led to 118 deaths, and in 2024, 13 tanker explosions resulted in 85 fatalities.

“So far, in January 2025, there have been seven recorded tanker explosions.

“More than 2,000 trucks transport hydrocarbons daily on Nigerian roads, and the neglect of safety can have dire consequences, including negative environmental impacts, loss of truck, lives and property.

“The most horrifying aspect of this menace is the scooping of fuel by the citizenry when tanker crashes or spillages occurs. This exacerbates the casualties in the case of fire outbreak.

“In Anambra, we have recorded four trailer-related crashes in three months, which claimed 24 lives and many injured. These are avoidable crashes and casualties.

“This town hall is to help us map out strategies on ways to stop the incessant crashes and explosions, to save lives and property,” she said.

The sector commander said that the corps had put measures in place to ensure compliance with the installation of speed-limiting devices and other safety requirements in haulage vehicles.

She called for the training and re-training of tanker drivers, urging them on road safety rules.

Alexander also urged tanker operators to prioritise the maintenance of their vehicles to check brake failures, worn out tyres, manhole defects and inadequate latching of the container.

“We recommend valid vehicle registration and display, valid drivers license class, and stiffer sanctions on operators whose tankers are involved in crashes, through legislation.

“Also, the establishment of rest areas in the state will prevent fatigue, and we appeal to the police to free traffic checkpoints at the approach of articulated vehicles,” she said.

Reacting to the situation, SCP Uche Noah, the Divisional Police Officer of B-Division, Awka, said that checkpoints could not be removed due to security concerns.

Noah also urged drivers to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or other illicit substances.

Some tanker drivers and transport unions highlighted poverty, impatience; excessive police checkpoints; economic hardship and the actions of the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency; as key challenges affecting tanker drivers.