Speaking at a press conference in Yola, Adewale, represented by Deputy Comptroller General Finance and Administration, Kehinde Ejibunu, condemned the recent attack on Customs officers by smugglers in Murjara Mubi-south Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Ejibunu described the incident, which occurred on July 16, 2025, as a "disturbing" and "premeditated" attack, where officers were ambushed, physically assaulted, and had their operational vehicle vandalized.
He cited the Customs Act 2023, Section 240, subsection 3(a), which states that anyone who obstructs, hinders, molests, or assaults a Customs officer can be liable to a fine of ₦5 million or imprisonment for five years, or both.
Ejibunu emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service will not tolerate violent aggression against its personnel, which undermines the authority of the Service and destabilizes efforts to protect Nigeria's borders.
He disclosed that within six weeks, Customs operatives in Adamawa State and Taraba command seized petroleum products worth ₦95.695 million, including 2,276 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit and 19 jerricans of Automotive Gas Oil.
Ejibunu ordered the sale of the seized petroleum products to the public at ₦10,000 per jerrican of 25 liters, emphasizing that Operation Whirlwind remains committed to curbing illicit activities that threaten national security.