The National Co-ordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller A.L. Aliyu, has stated that the ongoing crackdown on petroleum products smuggling goes beyond arrests and seizures, describing it as a strategic effort to protect Nigeria’s revenue base, energy security and national sovereignty.



Aliyu made the remarks on Thursday during a courtesy and operational visit to the Seme/Badagry Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, where he met with the Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga.

According to the National Co-ordinator, the fight against fuel smuggling will ultimately be judged by the level of commitment and patriotism demonstrated by officers tasked with the responsibility.

“History will judge us by how decisively and patriotically we respond to this responsibility,” he said.

He stressed that as enforcement activities intensify, Customs officers must continue to uphold the service’s core values of discipline, transparency and accountability.

“Our actions must inspire public confidence and demonstrate that the Nigeria #Customs Service remains a trusted institution in the service of the Nigerian people,” Aliyu added.

The Deputy Comptroller noted that the effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind depends largely on cooperation at command level, emphasising that no unit can operate successfully in isolation.

He called for sustained collaboration within the Customs Service, as well as with sister security agencies, traditional institutions, border communities and other stakeholders, while reiterating a zero-tolerance stance against petroleum products smuggling.

Aliyu explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening synergy between Operation Whirlwind and the #Seme Border Command, exchanging operational intelligence and best practices, and identifying gaps requiring improved logistics, manpower or strategic support.

He described the Seme Border as a critical component of Nigeria’s border architecture, given its proximity to neighbouring countries, which unfortunately makes it a hotspot for trans-border crimes, particularly fuel smuggling.

The National Co-ordinator acknowledged the operational challenges faced by officers at the border, including difficult terrain, porous routes and the evolving tactics of smugglers, but commended the resilience, professionalism and commitment demonstrated by personnel at the command.

Aliyu also assured the Area Controller and officers of the command of Operation Whirlwind’s continued support, expressing confidence that greater successes would be recorded through unity of purpose and operational excellence.

“We will continue to adapt, innovate and enforce the law without fear or favour,” he said.

In his response, the Seme/Badagry Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, welcomed the National Co-ordinator and congratulated him on his appointment, pledging the command’s full support in curbing petroleum smuggling within its area of responsibility.

During a similar engagement at the #Idiroko (Ogun I) Border Command, Aliyu described the visit as both a courtesy call and an operational assessment in line with the mandate of Operation Whirlwind, a special unit of the Nigeria Customs Service established to combat the smuggling and illegal diversion of petroleum products.

He noted that the Ogun I axis remains a vulnerable corridor due to its extensive land borders, numerous informal routes and proximity to neighbouring countries, which smugglers continue to exploit using increasingly sophisticated methods.

Despite these challenges, Aliyu praised officers at the Ogun I Border Station for their vigilance, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.

He reiterated that Operation Whirlwind was designed as a force multiplier to complement existing commands, stressing that success depends on seamless coordination, integrity and professionalism.

Deputy Comptroller Afeni, Acting Area Controller of the Idiroko Command, also pledged to deploy all available resources to disrupt and dismantle smuggling networks operating within the area.