Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Operation Whirlwind, has announced a seizure of 1,481 kegs and 20 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totalling 41,425 litres, in Yola, Adamawa state.
The National Coordinator, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, during a press briefing at the Customs House in Yola on Wednesday, stated that the seizure is with nine vehicles used for transportation, with a cumulative duty paid value of forty-eight million, five hundred and forty-seven thousand, five hundred naira only(N48,547,500).
Ejibunu explained that the operation involves a strategic partnership between the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), NCS, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), aimed at combating the illegal movement of fuel across Nigeria’s borders.
“This latest achievement follows a previous announcement in May 2024, where 280,135 litres of PMS valued at over ₦195.5 million were confiscated”, he stated.
Comptroller Ejibunu emphasised that the recent seizures were made in various locations, including the Mubi-Sahuda road, Girei-Wuro Boki axis, Maiha road, and Agwuwa Tana-Bakin Kogi axis.
“The operation ensures that fuel reaches its intended retail destinations by closely monitoring the entire supply chain from loading depots to final outlets”, he noted.
Ejibunu urged smuggling cartel members to desist from illegal activities and embrace legitimate businesses.
He assured legitimate oil marketers that the campaign targets only illicit activities and does not interfere with lawful business operations.
The National Coordinator warned that the NCS will continue its rigorous efforts to combat the smuggling of Nigeria’s PMS and ensure that such activities are eradicated.
He attributed the success of the operation to the support from the Nigeria Customs Service’s management under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and the coordinated efforts of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, along with other units such as FOU ‘D’, Customs Intelligence Unit, Special Intervention Squad, and various security agencies.
