The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confiscated 199,495 liters of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), worth N199 million in Zone D axis.
The Zone D comprises Adamawa and Taraba commands.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this at a press conference on Thursday in Yola.
He said the products were allegedly on the verge of being smuggled into Cameroon from Nigeria before they were intercepted.
” The intercepted items include four fuel tankers carrying 97,000 liters,1,363 Jerry Cans (25 liters each), totaling 34,075 liters, 311 drums (220 liters each), totaling 68,420 liters.
” Other interceptions include fuel tankers attempting concealment at unauthorised dispensing points used as smuggling reservoirs,” Adeniyi said.
The comptroller stated that personnel of the zone impounded the products, following an intense intelligence-driven operations in the commands.
The comptroller explained that the feat was achieved through special squad under “Operation Whirlwind, ” which was strategically set up to enhance surveillance and enforcement along border areas.
Adeniyi noted that the activities of smugglers undermined the domestic fuel supply chain of fuel and posed a serious threat to national security infrastructure.
He highlighted the risks involved in the operation, including night-time river crossings at Dasin Waterways as well as discovery and dismantling of illegal storage facilities along border communities.
He stressed that the economic damage caused by smuggling was significant, emphasising the need for synergy among relevant agencies to combat the menace.
“The NCS remains resolute on its mandate to protect the national economy,” Adeniyi assured.
