The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, has raised concerns about the growing issue of petroleum product smuggling from Nigeria, stating that the country’s foreign exchange market will remain unstable unless this problem is addressed.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on “Operation Whirlwind,” hosted by Nigeria Customs in Abuja, Ribadu emphasized the adverse effects of smuggling on the nation’s economy.
He stated, “We have been suffering due to smuggling, and if we want to address our economic problems, smuggling has to stop. It is difficult because it is like cancer and eats up everything. It destroys us, and even our security forces because of the very few individuals making profit from it and half of them are not even Nigerians.”
He further added, “I don’t think there is any country that suffers from smuggling like Nigeria, and we have to address it now because, with the trouble we are going through, we can’t stabilize the Naira. If we can’t stabilize the Naira, we are in trouble.”
Support from the NSA Office
Ribadu assured that his office would support the Customs Service and other security agencies in effectively combating the smuggling issue.
Progress in Operation Whirlwind
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, highlighted the achievements of the operation since its launch on May 28, 2024. He noted that, “From May till date, the Customs has made about 27 seizures and detected smuggling networks in Badagry and Adamawa. Other activities have also improved border security and we have successfully reduced fuel smuggling.”
He added that 500,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) had been seized, along with 7 trucks, amounting to N475 million. The seizures took place in Kebbi, Sokoto, Lagos, and Adamawa. The operation has now expanded to other areas, including Kwara, Niger, Katsina, and Kano.
Threats and Funding Challenges
Ejibunu also mentioned that officers involved in the operation, including himself, had received death threats but affirmed their commitment to continuing the fight against smuggling to ensure Nigeria’s survival.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in curbing smuggling. He noted that while “Operation Whirlwind” had achieved some success, there were funding challenges. The operation costs around N230 million per month, and since it is not in the Customs’ budget, sustaining it without additional funding would be difficult. Adeniyi called for collaboration to secure funding and sustain the operation until the end of the year.
