Esther Oritse
Lagos — The Zone A Operation Whirlwind Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos recently intercepted smugglers attempting to transport over 10,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in sacks.
In a statement, the Commander of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mahmood Bello, disclosed that the operation took place on New Year’s Eve. Customs operatives conducted surveillance along the waterside in Badagry, where they intercepted 61 sacks, and seven jerry-cans of PMS loaded in a large canoe headed for the Benin Republic.
Bello noted that smugglers had revived an old smuggling technique of concealing PMS in sacks. This marked the first time this method was encountered during Operation Whirlwind, as previous seizures had involved PMS transported in jerry- cans.
He said: “Recall that the National Coordinator instructed our operatives to intensify efforts during the festive period to prevent smugglers from exploiting the season. On December 31, 2024, our team conducted surveillance along the Badagry waterside and intercepted 61 sacks and seven jerry-cans of PMS, all loaded in a large canoe bound for the Benin Republic.
“Each sack contained 150 litres, translating to a total of 10,970 litres of PMS. The products were evacuated with reinforcement from the Nigerian military stationed at the Badagry Barracks. The operation was highly successful, with no casualties despite resistance from the smugglers.”
Bello added that due to the volatile nature of the seized product, the National Coordinator had ordered its auctioning. The interception highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Customs in curbing smuggling activities along Nigeria’s borders.
