Maritime Agencies
CUSTOMS’ “Operation Whirlwind” Gets Cracking, Intercepts Smuggled Petrol, Tanker & Car Bunkers In Zone A.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Comptroller Hussain Kayode Ejibunu, National Co-ordinator of “Operation Whirlwind”, a new interventionist outfit recently created by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to frontally address incessant diversion of petroleum products to neighbouring countries says in the last month, the body intercepted
48,760 litres of petrol with street value of over N35 million.
The team also impounded a tanker caught in the act of diverting petrol and an SUV locally redesigned to contain a special bunker for siphoning petrol away from authorized filling stations for illicit purposes.
Ejibunu displaying the confiscated used to siphon petrol.
Comptroller Ejibunu disclosed this at the Seme/Krake Border Command, Monday, while reeling out successes the team recorded in the past month.
The SUV redesigned as a petrol bunker.
Describing the role of the press as very critical in the success of the interventionist body, he sued for wide coverage and a balanced reportage of the outfit’s activities in the operational zone as this will,
no doubt, massively sensitize members of the public on the activities of the team.
“It may interest you to know that the initiative was conceived by our able, dynamic and pragmatic Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, in close collaboration with the National Security Adviser (NSA) to set up this formidable and result-oriented team primarily to put an end to incessant smuggling of premium motor spirit (PMS) detrimental to our economy.”
“Since its formation, “Operation Whirlwind” team has made tremendous impact in all the zones based on statistically-verified records and value of PMS being intercepted.”
“For clarity and record purposes, the team had intercepted 26, 950 litres of Premium Motor Spirit worth ₦19 million since our maiden edition press conference held at Customs Command, Abeokuta barely two weeks after inauguration.”
“In a similar development, the Operation Whirlwind team’s effort geared towards curtailing the menace of illegal smuggling of PMS product in zone ‘A’ axis, also resulted in the interception of 21, 810 Litres of PMS product.
Ejibunu referred to the devastating effects of smuggling of petroleum products describing them as numerous and are able to cause distortions in the supply chain of petroleum products to designated states and filling stations as credible intelligence can reveal.
Comptroller Bomodi showing the extent of incursion from the Atlantic Ocean.
“In most instances, PMS product were diverted to neighboring countries. However, this unwholesome practice often contributes tremendously to insecurity as diverted petroleum products were found to be used by bandits and other notorious groups undermining the internal sovereignty of our nation.”
“In summary, our team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the following:
1. 43 kegs of PMS, 30 litres each, equivalent of 1,290 litres. And one Mark truck/ tanker with chassis no: IMIAD3840TW003697 containing 15, 200 litres of PMS at Jubau Filling Station along Seme Badagry road. A means of conveyance one Suzuki salon with Reg no: SMK 83 Bk, 14th June 2024.
2. One Pathfinder Jeep with Reg no: ABJ 591 DC and one Toyota Avensis with Reg number 1973 with both specially built bunkers were loaded with PMS at Muse Filling station, 18th June 2024. We are yet to ascertain the litres in each of the vehicles.
3. 124 kegs of PMS 30 litres each, equivalent of 3,720 litres.65 kegs of PMS of 40 litres each, equivalent to 2,600 litres. In total, 189 kegs of PMS was intercepted at TIMI BOY GLOBAL VENTURES, 19th June 2024.”
Comptroller Ejibunu used the opportunity to warn those engaged in what he described as the nefarious activities outlined above to change their mind or be prepared to be visited by the full weight of the law.
In a related development, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, the Customs Area Controller, Seme Krake Border Command has raised the alarm on the danger of the Command’s premises being washed away soon by the rampaging Atlantic Ocean. While taking the press round to see for themselves, Bomodi said that if no immediate action is taken to arrest the ugly development, it would lead to a situation the ocean overruns the entire premises with little or nothing salvaged. He called on relevant agencies to intervene in order to save the critical facilities at the Seme Krake Joint Border Command which include the Customs Mess, Staff Quarters, Warehouse and adjoining facilities.
Maritime Agencies
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Ltd (TSSL), the company in charge of security surveillance over oil and gas installations in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is in collaboration with Textron Systems Corporation, a United States–based defence and aerospace company, to supply her three advanced Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
TSSNL owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo) disclosed the business deal in her website publication of December 29, 2025. The drones will be delivered in a fully ITAR-Free configuration.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 is designed to operate without runways, utilising hybrid quadrotor technology that enables vertical takeoff and landing, as well as fixed-wing flight.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS, Textron Systems says, is a mature, industry-proven autonomous platform known for its high reliability and operational flexibility. Its dual-mode capability allows it to operate seamlessly in complex and high-risk environments, making it well-suited for security operations within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Giving further insight into the contract, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron Systems, David Phillips, said the deployment would significantly enhance Tantita’s operational capability.
”The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a proven solution that will enable Tantita Security Services to expand its capabilities to protect the oil and gas infrastructure essential to Nigerian security and prosperity,” he stated.
The Aerosonde platform has accumulated over 700,000 flight hours across some of the world’s most challenging operating environments, underscoring its reliability and performance.
Tantita Security Services is expected to deploy the systems to strengthen surveillance and protection of critical oil and gas assets across Nigeria.
The contract also includes options for operator training and the supply of additional aircraft to support future capability expansion. Textron Systems noted that the agreement builds on a previous Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract to Nigeria, further highlighting its ongoing commitment to supporting Nigerian security operations.
Textron Systems is a global leader in uncrewed air, land and sea systems, with the Aerosonde family of UAS currently supporting international customers and operations aboard more than 10 U.S. Navy ships. The company is a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), a diversified multinational with interests spanning aviation, defence, industrial manufacturing and finance.
With multiple payload configurations and comprehensive training and support services, the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS offers a versatile and efficient solution for security operations in demanding environments, reinforcing Tantita Security Services’ role in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure.
Maritime Agencies
NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate a brand new year, the pioneer maritime journalists’ group, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), has implored the entire business community, especially maritime industry stakeholders, to join the association afresh in advancing the cause of the industry to ensure more impact and relevance in the national economy in the new year and beyond.
In a New Year message, MARAN Chairman, Mr. Tunde Ayodele described 2026 as a “year of greater impact,” stressing the need for improved service delivery and more robust maritime reportage to support national development.
According to him, the collective efforts of stakeholders in the outgoing year contributed positively to the growth of the maritime sector, urging all parties to sustain the spirit of unity and collaboration in the new year.
“United, we can make Nigeria proud by contributing our quota to national development, each from our own little corner,” the MARAN chairman said.
Ayodele reaffirmed MARAN’s readiness to collaborate with organisations and institutions across the maritime value chain, noting that such partnerships are crucial to making Nigeria’s maritime space one that is admired and celebrated.
He expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support extended to the association throughout 2025 and called for renewed commitment in the year ahead.
“Thank you for your cooperation and support in 2025. Let us do it again in 2026,” he added.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the ongoing efforts to thwart economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, Tantita Security Services Ltd, the firm engaged in pipeline surveillance operations in the oil -rich region, has nabbed four suspected oil thieves, intercepting their vessel named MT Thor. Suspects are to undergo trial for economic sabotage .
Speaking at the handover of the suspects at Koko Port, Tantita’s Executive Director of Operations, Capt Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally-sourced petroleum products aboard the vessel.
The interception occurred on 15 December 2025, around the Koko–Excravos axis of Delta State, says a situation report made available by the Special Prosecution Team (SPT) of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft.
The report stated that Tantita alerted the Head of Investigation of the SPT after intercepting MT Thor, allegedly laden with crude oil obtained through illicit means.
It was further alleged that the vessel was being escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who reportedly claimed they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.
Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies revealed that the vessel, now classified as an exhibit in an ongoing criminal investigation, is linked to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited. Investigation officers disclosed that documents and correspondence connected to the jetty were obtained and are currently under review.
“The owner of the jetty, Mr. Ebenezer, was contacted by investigators and reportedly provided additional documents, including court orders, which are also being analysed as part of the investigation.
“On December 16, a joint investigation team led by the Head of Investigation of the SPT conducted a Joint Inspection Visit in Koko. The team first met at Tantita’s corporate headquarters in Warri for a briefing, which was also attended by the jetty owner.
“During the inspection, investigators attempted to obtain samples from MT Thor but were unable to do so immediately as the vessel had not yet arrived at the jetty, having been towed from an earlier location by security operatives.
“While awaiting the vessel’s arrival, the team inspected other containers suspected to be carrying crude oil within the premises of Ebenco Global Links Limited, where samples were taken from a storage barge.
“MT Thor eventually berthed at about 8:30 p.m. on 16 December, prompting the joint team to adjourn sampling and other procedures until the following day. As of 17 December 2025, investigators were reported to be en route to Koko to continue sample collection and complete investigation formalities,” the report read.
Receiving the suspects, the Head of the Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force, Omar Sini, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, assuring that all findings would be thoroughly examined and prosecuted in line with the law.
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.
NIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .
Tincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
NSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
NIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
Lekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
WIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
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APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
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PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoFIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoWIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoLekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .