Nigeria, a country blessed with abundant natural resources, has long grappled with the challenges of securing her borders and preventing the smuggling of petroleum products. The nation’s strategic location, extensive borders spanning over 4,000 kilometers, and the presence of porous entry points have made it vulnerable to the activities of economic saboteurs and criminal gangs with their devastating networks.
The country loses huge sums annually from this illicit trade, draining vital resources needed for national development and undermining government revenue. In 2013, the then Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, disclosed that government was losing $1 billion monthly to crude oil theft. Nigeria’s Natural Resource Charter, NNRC, also estimated that the country lost N1.6 trillion in 2016 and N995 billion in 2017 to crude oil theft, translating to a loss of about $8.9 million daily and a combined loss of N2.6 trillion over the two-year period.
The smuggling of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders has also fueled the activities of bandits and insurgents such as Boko Haram, who exploit the porous borders to infiltrate and destabilize the country. These groups have access to small arms and light weapons that are often smuggled into the country and the lethal weapons, pose significant threats to the peace and stability of the nation.
Customs Officers on Firing Line
Indeed, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service have faced significant risks while carrying out their duties at border posts. There have been numerous reports of attacks on customs personnel by smugglers who are often armed and willing to resort to violence to protect their illegal activities.
For instance, in July, a tragic incident occurred involving Inspector Hamza Abdullahi-Elenwo of the Nigeria Customs Service. During a stop-and-search operation at Achilafia along the Daura-Kano Road in Jigawa State, he was struck by a vehicle driven by a suspected smuggler attempting to evade arrest. The officer was rushed to the General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina where he succumbed to his injuries. Two weeks later, Customs Assistant Auwal Haruna was tragically killed during an operation to intercept a convoy suspected of transporting goods illegally out of Nigeria at a checkpoint in Katsina State.
These incidents highlight the dangers faced by customs officers in their line of duty as they confront increasingly desperate smugglers.
Renewed Vigour to Combat Petroleum Smuggling
The Federal Government, recognizing the gravity of petroleum theft, has taken several steps to address the challenges. A significant development is the high-level stakeholders meeting early September chaired by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The meeting brought together key entities, namely the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria. The meeting adopted robust resolutions to strengthen the nation’s fight against petroleum smuggling.
Top on the scale is the launch of a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on the detrimental effects of petroleum smuggling on the economy and national security. The campaign, which will be a joint effort of all participating agencies, is expected to leverage various media platforms to reach different segments of society.
Stakeholders also committed to distancing themselves from smuggling activities and reinforcing internal controls. They pledged to work closely with the NCS and other relevant bodies to identify and address smuggling operations. A formal mechanism for regular feedback from stakeholders on anti-smuggling efforts was established, including periodic review meetings with participation from all relevant agencies and associations.
Inter-agency collaboration and integration of technology are germane; that was why the forum emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and security agencies to support Operation Whirlwind and combat smuggling more effectively. Participants agreed that a new Centre for Linkages and Collaboration be created to enhance coordination of strategies.
Recognizing the financial demands of combating smuggling, the meeting advocated increased funding for Operation Whirlwind to bolster its effectiveness. NNPC Ltd and NMDPRA, in partnership with the NCS, also committed to exploring and implementing cutting-edge technologies to improve monitoring and control of petroleum products throughout the supply chain.
Community Engagement and Legal Framework Enhancement
Another key strategy is the engagement of community leaders in border areas as partners in the fight against smuggling. By leveraging local knowledge and cooperation, the Operation Whirlwind team, with support from other agencies, aims to develop a strategy to actively involve communities in the anti-smuggling efforts. The NSA is expected to coordinate with relevant government bodies to implement existing laws, deliver stiffer penalties for smuggling and provide greater legal backing for anti-smuggling operations. The forum encouraged the NCS to prosecute offenders and ensure the enforcement of these laws.
Sustainable Anti-Smuggling Strategy and Monitoring
The NCS, in collaboration with NMDPRA and NNPC Ltd. Also agreed to develop a long-term, sustainable strategy for combating petroleum smuggling. The strategy will be reviewed and updated annually under the supervision of the NSA to keep the fight against smuggling on the front burner and respond to evolving challenges.
To monitor the implementation of these resolutions and provide periodic progress reports to the NSA, a joint monitoring team comprising representatives of all participating agencies and associations was established. This team will ensure accountability and transparency in the fight against petroleum smuggling.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite these efforts, Nigeria still faces significant challenges in securing its borders and combating petroleum smuggling. The active presence of bandits continues to destabilize border regions, making it difficult for security agencies to establish long-term stability. The ease with which the miscreants cross from neighboring countries and regroup is giving security agencies sleepless nights.
Indeed, there is need for an integrated border security system that combines physical security measures with modern technology, similar to strategies used in the US, Turkey and India. The establishment of a dedicated border security guard force, well-equipped and placed under the Nigerian Army or Defence Headquarters, could help prevent rivalry among security agencies and enhance coordination.
Relocating military formations and units closer to vulnerable borders and areas of high threat intensity would allow for the implementation of a pre-emptive strategy and deny armed groups safe haven. Securing the forests adjoining borders that provide a haven to bandits and criminal gangs is also crucial.
Securing Nigeria’s borders and combating petroleum smuggling is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive approach. By developing an integrated border security system, establishing a dedicated border security force, and implementing pre-emptive strategies, Nigeria can make significant strides in protecting its borders and citizens. The commitment of all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and communities is essential for the success of these efforts.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, had in July taken a significant step in strengthening global partnerships by participating in a bilateral meeting with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Washington, D.C. which focused on reviving the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement. The objective is to enhance service delivery through global collaborations and data-driven decision-making, improve national security and effectively combat cross-border crimes.
Adeniyi did emphasise that the NCS is actively addressing the challenges of cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling and money laundering while ensuring national security.
“Reviving the CMAA will bolster the Nigeria Customs Service’s capacity to protect the nation’s borders and enhance service delivery, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians”, said the CGC.
