The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has expressed concern over the increasing smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria, warning that the practice is exacerbating economic instability, particularly in the foreign exchange market.
Ribadu made the remarks during a stakeholder engagement in Abuja, organised by the Nigeria Customs Service as part of *Operation Whirlwind*, a campaign to curb the illegal export of fuel.
The NSA emphasised that the nation’s economic challenges are closely tied to smuggling and that urgent action is needed.
“We have been suffering due to smuggling, and if we want to address our economic problems, smuggling has to stop,” Ribadu stated. “It’s like cancer, eating away at everything, including our security forces, for the benefit of a few, many of whom aren’t even Nigerians. If we don’t stabilise the naira, we are in deep trouble.”
Ribadu assured that his office would fully support the Customs Service and other security agencies in tackling the issue.
Also speaking at the event, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator of *Operation Whirlwind*, highlighted the successes achieved since the programme launched on May 28, 2024. Ejibunu revealed that the Customs Service had made 27 significant seizures and dismantled smuggling networks in key areas such as Badagry and Adamawa.
“From May till date, Customs has seized 500,000 litres of PMS, intercepted seven trucks, and prevented smuggled fuel worth N475 million from leaving the country,” he said. Seizures were recorded in states including Kebbi, Sokoto, Lagos, and Adamawa, with further operations planned in Kwara, Niger, Katsina, and Kano.
Despite facing threats from smugglers, Ejibunu affirmed the resolve of the Customs Service to continue the fight. “Our officers, including myself, have received death threats, but we will not back down. We must fight to ensure the survival of Nigeria,” he added.
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stressed that the stakeholder engagement aimed to reinforce efforts to combat smuggling. However, he noted the need for additional funding to sustain *Operation Whirlwind*, which costs the Customs Service approximately N230 million monthly.
“We need funding collaboration to continue this operation until the end of the year,” Adeniyi stated, emphasizing the importance of external support to maintain the momentum.
The event underscored the seriousness of the smuggling crisis and the coordinated efforts required to address it effectively.
