Nigerian Customs Seizes 150,950 Litres of Petrol across the Country
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 150,950 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, with a market value of N105,965,391 at various locations across the country.
This was announced by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a press briefing in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, on Monday.
Adeniyi highlighted that the alarming rise in fuel smuggling prompted the NCS, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, to launch Operation Whirl Wind to combat this issue.
This initiative aims to ensure that Nigerians benefit fully from fuel price deregulation, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to defend the national currency and reduce the pressures caused by smuggling activities.
Discussing the success in curbing smuggling, Adeniyi said, “In the past two weeks, we have received credible intelligence indicating relative stability in the price of PMS in border states, which can be attributed to the disruption of smuggling operations.”
He detailed the seizures made during the operation: “Within seven days of intensive operation, a total of 150,950 liters of PMS, valued at N105,965,391, have been intercepted at various locations nationwide. On May 31, 2024, 45,000 liters of PMS in a tanker were seized in Mova, Adamawa State. On June 1, 2024, another 45,000 liters in a tanker were seized in Mubi, Adamawa. On June 3, 2024, 2,375 liters in 95 25-liter jerry cans were seized in Mubi.”
Adeniyi continued, “On June 5, 2024, Operation Whirl Wind seized 4,450 liters of PMS in 178 25-liter jerry cans across three locations: Song, Wuroboki, Mubi-Sahuda Road, and Gidan Madara Sahuda in the state. On June 6, 2024, various quantities of PMS, totaling 20-30 liters in 25 and 30-liter jerry cans, were seized in multiple locations, including Maiha in Adamawa, Illela in Sokoto State, and Agbaragba Creek at the Mfum Border of Cross River State.”
He emphasized the Customs’ role in combating oil smuggling, noting that the service has made significant seizures from individuals attempting to deprive Nigerians of fuel access and cause unnecessary hardship.
Adeniyi also disclosed that other agencies and Marine Commands intercepted 129,185 liters of fuel valued at N90,568,685, with 54.48% of the seizures occurring in the Northwest region.