By Sandra Chukwunyere
In a significant blow to petrol smuggling activities in the country,the Operation Whirlwind unit of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized 1,577 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 39,425 liters, with a duty-paid value of ₦39,425,000. Eight vehicles used for conveying the PMS were also impounded, with a duty-paid value of ₦24 million. The cumulative value of the seized goods is ₦63,425,000
During a press briefing on Friday, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR revealed that eight vehicles used to transport the PMS were seized, valued at ₦24 million in duty-paid value. This brought the total value of the seized goods to ₦63,425,000, at the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja.
The CGC Adeniyi who was represented at the event by Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, provided details on the seizures.
The seizure, which was made in various locations including Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete, is a testament to the Service’s commitment to curbing economic sabotage and protecting the nation’s economy.
- Advertisement -
According Customs boss, the seized products totaled 1,577 jerry cans of PMS, equivalent to 39,425 liters. Investigations revealed that the products were intended for smuggling to neighboring countries, a move that would have resulted in significant revenue loss for the government.
“The NCS has auctioned the seized products, with each 25-liter jerry can sold for ₦10,000. The duty-paid value of the seized products stands at ₦39 million. This move is aimed at making the product available to those who need it while also preventing it from falling into the wrong hands”
He commended the efforts of his Officers, who worked tirelessly to make the seizure possible. He also thanked strategic partners for their collaboration in the successful operation. The NCS has vowed to bring smugglers to justice, emphasizing that there is no safe haven for them.
“The seizure is part of the NCS’s efforts to curb petroleum smuggling activities and reduce the menace to the barest minimum. The Service has been working to identify and prosecute smugglers, and this latest seizure is a significant step in that direction.
“The NCS has also seized eight vehicles in connection with the smuggling activities. The vehicles were used to transport the PMS to the border points, where they would be smuggled out of the country.
“The Customs Service has reiterated its commitment to protecting the nation’s economy and preventing smuggling activities. The Service has urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the authorities, assuring that all reports will be thoroughly investigated.
“The NCS’s efforts to curb petrol smuggling have received commendation from various stakeholders, who see it as a step in the right direction. The Service’s commitment to transparency and accountability has also been praised, as it ensures that seized products are auctioned to the public at affordable prices.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its efforts to prevent smuggling and protect the nation’s economy. With this latest seizure, the Service has sent a strong message to would-be smugglers that they will not be tolerated” CGC said.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Patrick Musa, Assistant Director at the Lagos Southwest Regional Office of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), commended the Customs’ Operation Whirlwind for its efforts in intercepting petroleum products.
Musa stated that the seizure has reduced fuel supply to criminal elements and demonstrated the Customs’ capability to protect the country’s borders
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the NMDPRA, Customs, Office of the Attorney General, and Office of the National Security Adviser in tackling petroleum smuggling. He warned smugglers that “this time, it is not business as usual.”
The event was Customs Intercepts 1,577 Jerrycans of PMS Worth N63.4m in Southwest
In a significant blow to petrol smuggling activities in the country,the Operation Whirlwind unit of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized 1,577 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 39,425 liters, with a duty-paid value of ₦39,425,000. Eight vehicles used for conveying the PMS were also impounded, with a duty-paid value of ₦24 million. The cumulative value of the seized goods is ₦63,425,000
During a press briefing on Friday, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR revealed that eight vehicles used to transport the PMS were seized, valued at ₦24 million in duty-paid value. This brought the total value of the seized goods to ₦63,425,000, at the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja.
The CGC Adeniyi who was represented at the event by Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, provided details on the seizures.
The seizure, which was made in various locations including Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete, is a testament to the Service’s commitment to curbing economic sabotage and protecting the nation’s economy.
According Customs boss, the seized products totaled 1,577 jerry cans of PMS, equivalent to 39,425 liters. Investigations revealed that the products were intended for smuggling to neighboring countries, a move that would have resulted in significant revenue loss for the government.
The NCS has auctioned the seized products, with each 25-liter jerry can sold for ₦10,000. The duty-paid value of the seized products stands at ₦39 million. This move is aimed at making the product available to those who need it while also preventing it from falling into the wrong hands.
He commended the efforts of his Officers, who worked tirelessly to make the seizure possible. He also thanked strategic partners for their collaboration in the successful operation. The NCS has vowed to bring smugglers to justice, emphasizing that there is no safe haven for them.
“The seizure is part of the NCS’s efforts to curb petroleum smuggling activities and reduce the menace to the barest minimum. The Service has been working to identify and prosecute smugglers, and this latest seizure is a significant step in that direction.
“The NCS has also seized eight vehicles in connection with the smuggling activities. The vehicles were used to transport the PMS to the border points, where they would be smuggled out of the country.
“The Customs Service has reiterated its commitment to protecting the nation’s economy and preventing smuggling activities. The Service has urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the authorities, assuring that all reports will be thoroughly investigated.
“The NCS’s efforts to curb petrol smuggling have received commendation from various stakeholders, who see it as a step in the right direction. The Service’s commitment to transparency and accountability has also been praised, as it ensures that seized products are auctioned to the public at affordable prices.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its efforts to prevent smuggling and protect the nation’s economy. With this latest seizure, the Service has sent a strong message to would-be smugglers that they will not be tolerated” CGC said.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Patrick Musa, Assistant Director at the Lagos Southwest Regional Office of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), commended the Customs’ Operation Whirlwind for its efforts in intercepting petroleum products.
Musa stated that the seizure has reduced fuel supply to criminal elements and demonstrated the Customs’ capability to protect the country’s borders
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the NMDPRA, Customs, Office of the Attorney General, and Office of the National Security Adviser in tackling petroleum smuggling. He warned smugglers that “this time, it is not business as usual”
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, Zonal Coordinator Zone A of Customs, ACG Charles Orbih, and Customs Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Compt Mohammed Shuaibu.
