Victor Ezeja
Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has ordered immediate auction of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at ₦630 per litre.
The NCS said it has recorded a significant success in its fight against fuel smuggling in the country with the seizure of two lorries that smuggled petroleum products, having 1,046 kegs filled with PMS, and 12 drums of petroleum products.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelNCS said this was achieved by its Operation Whirlwind focused on investigating and intercepting smugglers at the country’s borders both on the northern and southern axis.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) made this known during a press conference held on Wednesday, 9th October 2024, in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
The CGC, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) Aliyu Alajogun, in charge of Enforcement, Investigation, and Inspection, disclosed that since the launch of Operation Whirlwind on 10th June 2024, efforts have intensified, yielding further results across multiple border regions.
He announced that the seized products will be auctioned at two petrol stations in Yola, at the rate of ₦630 per litre.
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He said: “Our ongoing operations have recorded substantial seizures in various locations, including the North-West borders in the Sokoto-Kebbi axis, the South-West borders around the Seme-Badagry and Idiroko axis, and the southern borders in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.”
“I am pleased to announce that in this latest phase of Operation Whirlwind, we have seized two lorries carrying smuggled petroleum products, 1,046 kegs filled with PMS, and 12 drums of petroleum products. Additionally, one suspect has been apprehended in connection with these smuggling activities,” he stated.
He said the seizures underscore the persistent nature of the challenge and the necessity of continued vigilance and action.
He warned those engaged in illicit activities to desist, adding that “The full force of the law will be brought to bear on anyone caught smuggling our nation’s resources.”
The Customs chief called on all Nigerians, particularly residents of Adamawa and other border states, to support the operation.
“Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in our collective efforts to safeguard our nation’s resources and ensure that the benefits of fuel price deregulation are fully realised by all Nigerians.”
The National Coordinator in charge of the operations, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, also highlighted the negative consequences of aiding smugglers to execute their illegal activities.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
