The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has launched a tactical team to curb the menace of petrol smuggling and economic sabotage.
The newly formed tactical team, ‘Operation Whirlwind’, aims at combating smuggling of Petroleum Products to the neighbouring countries.
CGC Adeniyi underlined the critical role the team will play in shielding the country’s economy from the damaging impacts of smuggling petroleum products in his opening remarks during the team’s inauguration.
“Economic saboteurs must be brought to justice. Over the years, we have rebuilt the Service to an enviable height, our revenue is increasing, and our targets have also increased. However, if we are not significantly impacting the Nigerian economy, then we must do better”, the CGC said.
The workshop, held at Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), was designed to equip the Operation Whirlwind team with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively curb smuggling, particularly of petroleum products diverted to neighbouring countries.
CGC Adeniyi highlighted the significance of the workshop and the strategic importance of the new operation. He explained; “This is not a task force or the setting up of checkpoints. This is an intelligence-driven operation that will support the political will at the highest level.
“Our dedication and loyalty must not be compromised. There will be serious consequences against whoever acts against this mission. There is zero tolerance for sabotage.”
CGC Adeniyi stressed the need for collaboration and unity among the officers. “You were selected because you can do the job. Your coordinator’s record is impeccable and your assignment can’t succeed without you working as a team. You are to complement the existing structure. You are not going as competitors; you are going to fight people sabotaging our efforts.”
The Director of Legal Services was scheduled to educate the team on the proper procedures for filing seizures, ensuring that all legal aspects of their operations are handled correctly.
The launch of Operation Whirlwind represents a critical milestone in Nigeria’s war against economic sabotage and smuggling. The Comptroller-General of Customs said that as the team gets ready to go, they know exactly what is expected of them: to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests at all times with steadfast commitment and honesty.
