Customs Launches 'Operation Whirlwind' to Combat Smuggling of Petroleum Products
In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of petroleum products smuggling, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has inaugurated a special tactical team, Operation Whirlwind.
The team was launched at a workshop held at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Abuja on May 22, 2024, and is tasked with combating the smuggling of petroleum products to neighboring countries.
CGC Adeniyi emphasized the crucial role the team will play in protecting Nigeria's economy from the adverse effects of smuggling petroleum products.
He stressed that economic saboteurs must be brought to justice and that the team's dedication and loyalty must not be compromised.
"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," he declared.
The workshop aimed to equip the Operation Whirlwind team with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively curb smuggling, particularly of petroleum products diverted to neighboring countries. The team's coordinator has an impeccable record, and the success of the assignment depends on the team working together.
"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," CGC Adeniyi emphasized.
The Director of Legal Services is scheduled to educate the team on proper procedures for filing seizures, ensuring that all legal aspects of their operations are handled correctly. This is to ensure that the team's efforts are not only effective but also legally sound.
The inauguration of Operation Whirlwind marks a significant step in Nigeria's fight against smuggling and economic sabotage. As the team prepares to embark on their mission, the Comptroller-General of Customs asserts that the expectation is clear: to protect Nigeria's economic interests with unwavering dedication and integrity. With the launch of Operation Whirlwind, Nigeria Customs Service is poised to tackle the menace of petroleum products smuggling head-on, and the country can expect a significant reduction in economic losses due to smuggling.
0 Comments