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
Dredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has distanced itself from a report entitled ‘Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order’, published on October 23, 2026 by some online blogs.
In a disclaimer jointly signed by Batare Akpomejero and Richard Ntan, National President and Secretary respectively, the Association categorically stated that the publication is fake and could not have originated from its National Leadership or any authorised organ of the dredgers’ body.
DAN clarified that it neither authorised, approved nor issued any petition or press release accusing Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lagos State, and Mr. Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion of dredgers and tipper operators.
The Association further stated that it had no record of the alleged impounding of trucks and demand for ₦500,000 as reported in the publication, adding that it completely dissociated itself from the claims.
Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagement with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.
On matters relating to dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments concerning shoreline authority, the Association explained that discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than through media confrontations.
Consequently, DAN has disclaimed the report in its entirety, urging the public, the Lagos State Government, Hon. Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the publication as a statement issued on behalf of the Association.
DAN also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication may have caused the Lagos State Government, the Honourable Commissioner and other officials mentioned.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria, while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is committed to translate maritime policies into practical results as part of efforts to ensure safer waterways, reliable infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
NIWA Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei made the commitment while congratulating stakeholders in his goodwill message during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
This year’s celebration whose theme was“From policy to practice: Powering excellence,” has in attendance was graced the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, FSM, MCIPM; Chairperson and Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Directors and Heads of Departments, CEOs of Parastatals under the Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, industry stakeholders and the media.

“This year’s theme,” Alhaji Girei said, “reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth.”

He noted that NIWA remains committed to working with State Governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect the waterways on which many livelihoods depend.
Speaking about excellence in the maritime sector, he described it as a shared responsibility that requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a culture that places safety and sustainability at the heart of operations.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he added.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and all stakeholders whose commitment keeps the maritime industry moving, and urged participants to turn shared ambition into practical results.
The celebration peaked when Alhaji Girei joined in the award presentation for the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition category sponsored by NIWA. The first position went to Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, who won N200,000 cash and a laptop computer. The second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, who received N150,000 and a laptop computer, while the third position went to Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, who received N100,000 cash and a laptop computer.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NIWA, he wished all stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration.
Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has given kudos to the Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller N. I. Miko, for the support extended to freight forwarders at PTML, enjoining him to sustain the tempo and assist the NAGAFF chapter to deepen the relationship for mutual benefits.
Chief Ezisi made the commendation, Thursday, when he led the association’s high command on a familiarization visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PTML Command.
Ezisi who used the opportunity to welcome the CAC to the Customs Command also introduced the newly-elected executive of the NAGAFF PTML Chapter democratically elected to manage its affairs for the next four years.
Describing NAGAFF as a law-abiding organisation which has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Customs Service, Chief Ezisi stressed the importance of collaboration, compliance and professionalism in facilitating legitimate trade.
He urged Miko to maintain open communication with the chapter’s leadership and whenever disagreements or operational challenges arose, the national leadership would intervene where necessary to resolve issues.
As in other large organisations, Ezisi acknowledged, members with different dispositions and approaches to matters populate NAGAFF and managing them and their differences remains the hallmark of effective leadership at all times.
He also told the CAC that as a body, NAGAFF has in place an active special intervention outfit, a compliance team with guiding slogan, “If you see something, say something.” This body monitors the activities of her members and other freight forwarders who willingly subvert compliance standards in the line of duties.
NAGAFF, he explained, is a non-profit association of freight forwarders whose headquarters relies on the contributions and activities of its chapters to fulfill its responsibilities to the industry.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, assured NAGAFF members of the Command’s continued cooperation. He described the relationship between Customs officers and freight forwarders at the terminal as very cordial and will always be, going forward.
Miko recalled NAGAFF’s organizational structure, describing it as impressive, particularly the commitment to training and capacity development of members through the NAGAFF Academy .
The PTML Command would continue to support freight forwarders, the CAC pledged as Customs officers and industry operators would continue to deepen the existing harmony and cooperation in the workplace.
He assured that the Command would continue engaging terminal operators on the need to improve the working environment for both Customs officers and freight forwarders.
Miko encouraged freight forwarders to report any shortcomings in the conduct of Customs officers, assuring them that the command would take feedback seriously and work towards improvement.
He also urged stakeholders to acknowledge good performance, emphasising that constructive engagement, mutual respect and collaboration were essential to effective operations.
He reaffirmed his management’s readiness to sustain the healthy relationship with the association and other stakeholders.
Giving a vote of thanks, NAGAFF’s Vice President (Headquarters), Simeon Nwonu, expressed pleasure of the assurance of a continued cordial relationship and accessibility stakeholders associate CAC Miko with right from the Apapa Command.
He thanked Comptroller Miko for the warm reception, expressing confidence that NAGAFF members operating at PTML would benefit from continued engagement.
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