ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Operations Whirlwind Unit, has intercepted a total of 1,577 jerry cans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, with an estimated duty-paid value of N39.4 million.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Friday, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs and National Coordinator of the unit, Mr. Hussaine Ejibunu who represented the Comptroller General of Customs disclosed that the petrol was seized from smugglers operating across several border hotspots.
These locations include Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete in the South-Western part of the country.
Ejibunu stated that investigations revealed the fuel was intended for illegal export to neighboring countries, describing the operation as part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to dismantle smuggling networks.
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“There will be no safe haven or hiding place for smugglers and economic saboteurs. We will continue to disrupt their illegal operations and reduce them to the barest minimum,” he declared.
He noted that the seized PMS, totaling 39,425 liters with each jerry can containing 25 liters was intercepted along with eight vehicles used to convey the smuggled fuel.
According to Vanguard, the duty-paid value of the petrol stood at N39.4 million, while the vehicles were valued at N24 million, bringing the total value of the seizure to N63.4 million.
Ejibunu added that, following the directive of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, the confiscated fuel would be auctioned immediately.
Expressing gratitude to stakeholders who supported the operation, Ejibunu said, “I want to express our appreciation to our strategic partners the Office of the Attorney General and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Lagos Zonal Office for their unwavering support.
“This success would not have been possible without their collaboration.”
Also speaking, Mr. Patrick Musa, Assistant Director at the Lagos office of the NMDPRA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with the Customs Service to curb economic sabotage.
“We will continue to support the Customs until these economic saboteurs are completely dismantled,” Musa stated.