Customs Seizes N196 Million Worth of Smuggled PMS in Spec Ops
Customs Seizes N196 Million Worth of Smuggled PMS in Spec Ops
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
In a determined effort to combat the illegal trade of petroleum products, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made substantial progress since the launch of “Operation Whirlwind” two weeks ago.
INCNews247 reports that the initiative, led by Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, aims to curtail the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across Nigeria’s borders.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, in Yola, Adamawa State, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the strategic measures taken to address the issue, supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
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He highlighted the initiative’s goal to defend the national currency, reduce the economic impact of smuggling, and dismantle smuggler cartels.
“In the past two weeks, we have received credible intelligence on the relative stability of PMS prices around border states, attributed to disruptions in smuggling operations,” Adeniyi stated.
The operation has led to significant seizures, including 150,950 litres of PMS valued at N105,965,391 intercepted nationwide.
Notably, 45,000 litres of PMS were seized in Mubi, Adamawa State, on May 31, 2024, and another 45,000 litres in the same location the following day.
Between June 3 and June 7, 92,928 litres of PMS were intercepted across various locations, including Mubi, Song-Wuroboki, Mubi-Sahuda road, and Gidan Madara – Sahuda road in Adamawa State, as well as Illela in Sokoto and Agbaragba creek in Mfum border of Cross River State.
Additionally, the NCS reported significant seizures of 129,185 litres of PMS from smugglers, valued at N90,558,685.
The total combined diversion of 280,135 litres of PMS, valued at N196,524,075.50, underscores the economic and national security concerns posed by smuggling.
The CGC also highlighted the alarming increase in PMS smuggling across the borders of Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states between April and May 2024.
To address this, the NCS is collaborating with the NSA to find a lasting solution to ensure Nigerians benefit from fuel price deregulation in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.
“Between April and May 2024, Borno and Kebbi States recorded 76% and 59% increases in evacuations. Year-on-year, Sokoto and Taraba States saw the most substantial increases, with 247% and 234% respectively,” Adeniyi added.