The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 125,000 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol, valued at N125 million in Kebbi State.
The Comptroller-General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi, spoke on the seizure of the smuggled fuel during a media chat on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
The CGS, who was represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Husseini Ejibunu, linked the successful onslaught on the smugglers to information provided by the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU).
Adeniyi, who confirmed that the Tsamiya area of Kebbi had been under surveillance for some days before the NCS operatives, in collaboration with the Kebbi Area Command and the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) ‘B’, intercepted three Scania trucks, with Benin Republic’s registration plate numbers, transporting the smuggled fuel.
According to him, the first truck, with registration BC-7184RB, carried 766 jerry cans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 liters each of PMS, the second truck, AT-2457RB, contained 1,454 jerry cans of 25 liters each and multiple 200-liter drums, while the third truck, BV-6240RB, was loaded with 1,350 jerry cans of 25 liters each and 18 drums of 200 liters each.
The CGS added that officials of the Service also seized 805 jerry cans of 25 liters each at various smuggling flashpoints, including Dolekeina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, and Lolo Tsamiya.
Adeniyi maintained that the operations attested to the NCS’ commitment to frontally combating smuggling and illicit trade in view of their damaging impact on Nigeria’s economic and social stability.
He attributed the successful operations to the coordinated efforts of Operation Whirlwind, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Adeniyi further clarified: “The coordinated efforts of these institutions have enabled us to swiftly respond to intelligence reports and secure our borders with precision and professionalism.
“Their leadership has been instrumental in fostering trust and cooperation among all stakeholders,” he added.
