The Comptroller-Genera (C-G)l of Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has vowed that the Service is determined to clamp down on economic saboteurs across the country.
The Customs chief made the declaration during a briefing held by Operation Whirlwind, Zone ‘D’ Axis, in Yola.
This followed a major breakthrough recorded by the operation in the last quarter of 2025, with significant strides made in its anti-smuggling campaign, resulting in the seizure of goods worth N181,603,515 in Adamawa State.
The seizures were recorded within an eight-week period, during which 55 smuggling incidents occurred across various flashpoints in the state.
Items confiscated include 184,006 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) packed in 2,642 jerry cans, 11,256 litres of PMS found in a filling station, and 485 drums of 220-litre capacity each. Two large wooden boats used to transport the smuggled products were also seized.
Adeniyi, represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Kolapo Oladeji, said the operation is geared toward promoting energy and food security, as well as fostering economic growth in line with the core mandates of President Bola Tinubu.
He explained that the Customs Service has strengthened its machinery to ensure the borders are airtight, making it difficult for economic saboteurs to continue their illegal activities.
He added that despite repeated warnings, there have been instances of mob attacks on operatives—an action he described as regrettable.
He, however, vowed that the Service would not relent in its aggressive anti-smuggling drive and would continue to disrupt the supply chains of economic offenders in accordance with the law.
“We will come after 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 commended the efforts of its personnel, especially those stationed along borderlines, for providing timely intelligence on the activities of smugglers.
Dr Adeniyi also appreciated the partnership 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 the public to join in the fight against smuggling; security is everyone’s business.
“The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities 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.