– 403 kegs of petrol, vehicles, drugs, rice impounded
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, says it has intensified its clampdown on fuel smuggling and cross-border economic sabotage, intercepting petroleum products and other prohibited goods worth over N818.7 million in Duty Paid Value, DPV, between June and October 2025.
The Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Command, Gambo Aliyu, said the seizure included 403 kegs (25 litres each) of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, 1,054 used tyres, 3,671 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 166 bales and 19 sacks of used clothes, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and several vehicles, including a Toyota Hilux and a Mercedes-Benz GLE.
He said the surge in smuggling, particularly of petrol, was linked to price differentials between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, a trend the Service is determined to crush through enhanced patrols and intelligence-led operations.
“Smuggling of petroleum products is a serious economic crime that undermines our nation’s energy security and revenue base,” Aliyu warned.
“The 403 kegs of PMS we seized were clearly destined for illegal export, denying Nigerians access to a product that is already subsidized by our collective resources.”
Aliyu, who assumed office on September 3, 2025, said the Command is working closely with sister security agencies and border communities to block all illegal routes used by smugglers to siphon fuel and other goods out of the country.
“We are strengthening our enforcement architecture through collaboration with relevant agencies and community stakeholders,” he said. “Our officers are under strict directive to remain vigilant and uncompromising in protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.”
Despite the anti-smuggling campaign, Aliyu disclosed that the Command recorded a 17.5 percent increase in revenue collection, generating N77.88 billion between January and October 2025, compared to N64.26 billion during the same period in 2024.
He attributed the growth to the professionalism and discipline of Customs officers, even amid economic headwinds.
“This figure represents a commendable level of commitment by our officers despite prevailing challenges,” he noted. “It demonstrates our unwavering dedication to achieving and surpassing the targets set by the Service.”
Aliyu added that all suspects arrested in connection with the seized items have been charged to court under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, reaffirming the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling.
“We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour. Anyone involved in sabotaging the economy through fuel smuggling or other illicit trade will face the full weight of the law,” he declared.
He further commended officers of the Command for their “discipline, sacrifice, and professionalism,” stressing that effective Customs administration thrives on cooperation with legitimate traders, transporters, and the public.
“The Command remains committed to maintaining open communication channels to facilitate legitimate trade and ensure compliance with Customs regulations,” he assured.
The Oyo/Osun Customs Command’s renewed enforcement drive underscores the federal government’s broader effort to curb petrol smuggling, which has contributed to fuel scarcity and foreign exchange losses in Nigeria’s downstream sector.
