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.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
”From humble beginnings at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) when he was employed on October 17th 1994 (same month of his birth) as a junior staff on Grade Level 3, Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu popularly known as “Texas”, by dint of diligence, determination, discipline and desire rose to the defining role of senior staff Grade Level 13 in a career marked by sterling contributions and indelible impact till his return to his maker on Friday 1st May, 2026.”
These were the words of Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Nigerian Ports (NPA) in a fitting tribute in memory of the Agency’s ace photographer, Paul Erakhifu, affectionately known as “Texas”, who passed on recently.
”Although we cannot determine our appointed date of birth and death, we definitely can determine how we want to be remembered. ”
The GM stated that by his uncommon commitment to his craft (Photography) and his contagious sense of humor which he generously doled out to all who came in contact with him definitely and intentionally, “Texas” set out to be remembered for good.
”Looking back, it is plausible that with his popular refrain “you have made my day” and “powerful” which were his default response to most of those who encountered him on and off duty, late “Texas” was informing us that he would make his days on earth powerful, which he did with grace and honor as can be gleaned from his professional and career trajectory.”
Describing late Paul as one who never relented on taking advantage of opportunities to pursue career growth and personal development, Mr Onyemekara recalled that “Texas” proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature in the year 2005, Master Degree in International Relations in 2012 and a Master of Science (MSc.) in Mass Communication.
”Poised to get ahead and be equal to the exigencies of his chosen craft, “Texas” trained at the London Film Academy, London Academy of Media, Film & Television and the Texas School of Photography USA in fulfillment of his lifelong admiration for the American city of Texas for which he adopted the sobriquet “TEXAS”.
He explained that the life and times of Texas validated the biblical truism that “that a man diligent in his business shall stand before kings and not mean men”.
”Indeed, “Texas” was diligent in his business and stood before kings both in Nigeria and internationally as he was widely travelled for high level official engagements in company of various chief executives of the Authority to Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Ghana, Togo, Congo, Guinea, South Africa, amongst others.”
Although Texas will be sorely missed and has left a vacuum so wide and difficult to fill, the NPA image maker added, “we will take solace in the immortal words of James Wrubel that ‘no one truly dies who is remembered’.
”We continue to remember and celebrate his good deeds, exceptional sense of humor and his contribution to the advancement of knowledge as evidenced in his authorship of two books with which he lighted paths and lightened burdens. ”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following a keenly-contested election, Thursday, Oluyinka Onigbinde, Assistant Editor, Shipping Position Daily, emerged the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
Out of 33 votes, Onigbinde polled 20 while his closest rival, Rev John Iwori, had 13.
The election, which witnessed active participation by members of the association, also produced other executive officers to pilot the affairs of MARAN following the dissolution of the Tunde Ayodele-led Caretaker Committee. These are Sylvanus Obasi (Vice President), Fabian Anawo (Secretary) and Amina Ojelabi (Assistant Secretary). Others are Ruth Umunnna (Treasurer), Ambrose Okehi (Financial Secretary) and Providence Ayanfeoluwa (Public Relations Officer).
The new MARAN Executive during swearing-in by Mr Leye Ajayi, the Lagos NUJ Chairman.
Speaking after swearing in the officers, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), urged the newly-elected officers to conduct the affairs of the maritime journalists’ body with a deep sense of patriotism while promoting professionalism, welfare, and unity among members of the association.
Maritime Agencies
Anti-Smuggling Operations: FOU ‘A’ Customs Seizes N2.35bn Drugs, Pledges Hard Times for Smugglers.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the past eight weeks, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja , Lagos, intercepted narcotics and contrabands valued at over N5.5billion, thus, posting a substantial breakthrough in the sustained efforts to deal with smuggling of illicit goods and unauthorized importations.
The FOU Zone ‘A’ Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo announced this in Lagos, Tuesday, during a press conference.
Beside cocaine worth ₦2.35 billion, large quantities of 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice equivalent of 15 trailers, petroleum products, used vehicles, and other prohibited goods were also displayed as confiscated.
During the period, he stated, the Unit carried out 473 successful interdictions, seizing 8,794 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 22 used vehicles, 328 bales of used clothing, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle valued at ₦119 million.
Also seized were 531 cartons of frozen poultry, 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 485 used tyres, and several cartons of spaghetti and sugar.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu revealed that operatives at the Gbaji Customs on Seme Road intercepted a 71-year-old suspect along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor with 6.35kg of cocaine concealed in a Toyota Highlander. The drugs, comprising powdered and crystalline variants, carry an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
Under a special operation code-named Operation Hawk, the unit also seized 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian loud,” weighing 1,540kg. The seized narcotics were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a formal handover ceremony during the briefing, for further investigation and prosecution.
The CAC who lamented the huge harm consumption of drugs inflicts on the Nigerian society regretted that today, many homes are broken.
”A lot of homes are broken due to drugs and the results of drug trafficking. Our mandate is to cut off the supply chain, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
He further unveiled four cylinders of mercury concealed in a vehicle along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, describing the hazardous substance as regulated under international conventions.
The unit also recovered ₦97.7 million through Demand Notices on under-declared consignments. He requested for stronger collaboration among security agencies to confront and overcome various strategies being applied by purveyors of illicit trade networks.
Commending the synergy between the NCS and the NDLEA, Narcotics Commander, Kabiru I, K. explained that this should send a strong signal to purveyors of illicit trade that the South-West corridor is under close surveillance.
NPA Mourns her Ace Cameraman, Paul Erakhifu, alias “Texas”.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoIhenacho, Ogbeifun, Shittu, Other Industry Heavyweights Confirm Attendance As MARAN Celebrates Past Presidents
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTo Attain Maritime Excellence, Conversations Must Translate Into Concrete Actions, says MAN Rector.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoCapt Iheanacho Underscores the Critical Role of Media As MARAN Celebrates Past Leaders.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoAMJON Honours NPA’s Anda with ‘Most Resourceful Port Manager’ Award At 2026 Conference.
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Customs1 week agoKaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTincan Port Customs Floors Smugglers, Nabs Massive Cannabis Indica Days After Pact with NDLEA.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNPA Targets Nigerian Ports As West Africa’s Trade Nerve Centre, Taking Advantage of AfCFTA.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoGreg Ogbeifun, Foremost Ship Owner, To Chair Event Marking the 10th Anniversary of AMSAY Conference.