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
Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical at the Tantita Security Services Ltd, will deliver the keynote speech at the 10th Annual Maritime Students and Youth Conference (AMSAY) billed for June 10, 2026. Venue is the Conference Hall of the Mission To Seafarers, 29 Marine Road, Apapa GRA, Lagos.
As stated in a release, Enisuoh will speak on the lead paper entitled, “The Youth and the Future of Nigerian Maritime Sector: Understanding How Nations Develop Their Maritime Industry.”
Organised by Platforms Communications annually, the arrowhead, Sylvanus Obasi, says the AMSAY Conference has over the past decade evolved into a critical platform for youth advocacy, mentorship and stakeholders’-students engagement to discuss and proffer solutions to contemporary issues affecting the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector, having consistently driven conversations around industry reforms, capacity growth, innovation and sustainable development.
With over two decades of global experience spanning maritime operations, aviation, and national security, Captain Enisuoh is widely regarded as a leading authority in maritime safety, shipping development, and infrastructure protection in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He holds a Master Mariner Class 1 Unlimited Foreign Going License, an Aircraft Pilot’s License, and a Diploma in Aviation. His academic journey includes training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron; Arab Maritime Transport Academy, Egypt; Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania; Tasmanian Aviation College; and the Swiss Air Training Centre in Zurich.
Over the years, he has held strategic roles across continents, including eight years with Pacific International Lines in Singapore and six years with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). He also served as a lecturer, instructor, course developer, and examiner at the Australian Maritime College.
In Nigeria, he contributed significantly to sectoral development during his tenure at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), where he served as Director of Maritime Safety and Director of Shipping Development.
Capt Warredi”s Keynote Speech will also feature a high-level panel discussion moderated by Captain Dr. Fola Ojutalayo, Marine Surveyor and Senior Lecturer at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
Panelists are drawn from diverse segments of the maritime industry, including regulators, shipowners, local content experts, technical professionals, legal practitioners, operators, and the academia as representatives from NIMASA, Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, are expected to discuss the lead paper .
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Ports Authority Police (Western) Command has called for deeper collaboration with maritime journalists as part of efforts to strengthen security within Nigeria’s port environment and support the growth of the nation’s maritime economy.
Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, made the call on Tuesday while receiving the newly elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
The visit, led by MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, provided an opportunity for both parties to reaffirm their commitment to promoting safety, security, and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Speaking during the engagement, Onigbinde commended the Command for its efforts in safeguarding the nation’s ports and other critical maritime assets, noting that security remains a key pillar for sustainable trade and economic development.
He pledged MARAN’s continued support through responsible journalism, accurate reporting, and constructive engagement with stakeholders in the maritime sector.
According to him, the media has a crucial role to play in creating public awareness, promoting transparency, and highlighting issues that impact the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
In her remarks, CP Agbaminoja congratulated the newly elected MARAN leadership and acknowledged the association’s longstanding contribution to the dissemination of credible information on developments within the maritime industry.
She emphasized that stronger cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the media would enhance public trust, improve security consciousness, and contribute to national economic growth.
The Commissioner noted that effective communication and timely information sharing are essential in addressing security challenges within the port ecosystem, stressing that the media remains a strategic partner in achieving those objectives.
She further assured the association of the Command’s readiness to maintain open channels of communication and foster productive partnerships aimed at advancing port security, maritime safety, and trade facilitation.
Nigeria’s ports serve as critical gateways for international trade and revenue generation, making security within the maritime sector a matter of national economic importance. Stakeholders have consistently advocated greater collaboration among security agencies, regulators, operators, and the media to strengthen surveillance, curb criminal activities, and improve operational efficiency.
The meeting concluded with both the Ports Authority Police Command and MARAN reaffirming their commitment to sustained engagement and cooperation in support of a safer and more efficient maritime industry.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s pioneer maritime journalists’ body, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will inaugurate her brand new Executive Council on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
The high-profile event which is planned to bring together key stakeholders from the maritime, shipping, logistics, security, and media sectors will also feature discussions on strengthening ethical standards in maritime journalism.
The theme of the inauguration is “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development.”
The Chairman of the occasion is Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), while the keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Bolaji Abimbola, a leading public relations and event management expert.
Special Guests of Honour expected at the event include the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima; and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. Also expected are chief executives of maritime agencies, captains of industry, leaders of maritime associations, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, and other critical stakeholders across the maritime value chain.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration, MARAN President, Comrade. Oluyinka Onigbinde, described the event as a defining moment in the association’s journey towards deepening professionalism, credibility, and responsible maritime reportage.
The new executive council, he stated, will focus on repositioning MARAN as a stronger voice within the maritime sector through capacity building, constructive engagement, and adherence to ethical journalism standards.
He noted that the theme of the event underscores the indispensable role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
“The maritime industry is central to Nigeria’s economic growth, and ethical journalism remains a vital instrument for ensuring that developments within the sector are accurately reported and constructively engaged,” he added.
Onigbinde further called on government agencies, industry operators, and media practitioners to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime journalism and advancing the nation’s blue economy aspirations.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOGUN AREA 1 CUSTOMS Dares Smugglers, Confiscates Contrabands Worth N6.7Bn in 5 Weeks.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMARAN Seeks Strategic Partnership With NPA on Port Modernisation, Capacity Building
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTantita Donates 15 Gun Boats to Nigerian Army, Navy.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTincan Customs, NDLEA Promise Hard Times for Drug Peddlers, Seize N16,694bn worth of Cannabis Indica .
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