The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi has inaugurated a team named “Operation Whirlwind” to combat the smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries.
Speaking during a workshop for the new team at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Abuja, Adeniyi emphasised the crucial role the team will play in protecting the nation’s economy from the adverse effects of smuggling petroleum products.
He said, “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 workshop, according to him, 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.
“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.
“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,” he told the new team.