The Comptroller-General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, has inaugurated a workshop for a newly formed tactical team, Operation Whirlwind, to combat smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries.

Adeniyi said in Abuja that  the team would play a crucial role in protecting the nation’s economy from effects of petroleum products smuggling.

“Economic saboteurs must be brought to justice.

“We have rebuilt the service to an enviable height; our revenue is increasing and our targets have also increased.

“However, if we are not significantly impacting the Nigerian economy, then we must do better,”he said.

The workshop according to him, is designed to equip the team with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively curb smuggling, particularly that of petroleum products diverted to neighbouring countries.

“This is not a task force or the setting up of checkpoints.

“This is an intelligence-driven operation that will support the political will at the highest level.

“Our dedication and loyalty must not be compromised.

“There will be serious consequences against whoever acts against this mission.

“There is zero tolerance for sabotage,”he said.

The customs boss stressed the need for collaboration and unity among the officers, adding that , “you were selected because you can do the job.

“Your coordinator’s record is impeccable and your assignment cannot succeed without you working as a team.

“You are to complement the existing structure and you are not going as competitors; you are going to fight people sabotaging our efforts,”he said.

The Director of Legal Services was scheduled to educate the team on the proper procedures for filing seizures, while ensuring that all legal aspects of their operations were handled correctly.