– Vows crackdown on smuggling
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a major breakthrough against fuel smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, says it has intercepted a N300million worth shipment of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, in Kebbi State, marking its largest single seizure since the launch of Operation Whirlwind.
The smuggled fuel, destined for the Republic of Benin, was confiscated following an intelligence-led operation in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi.
Announcing the seizure during a press briefing in Kebbi, the Assistant Comptroller General of Financial Administration and Special Duty, and National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, declared the interception a major victory in the fight against economic sabotage.
“This seizure marks a significant milestone in our efforts to protect Nigeria’s critical resources. The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in tackling smuggling activities that undermine government policies and economic stability,” Ejibunu stated.
According to him, the intercepted fuel – hidden in trucks and scattered across multiple smuggling flashpoints – would have caused substantial economic losses and exacerbated artificial fuel scarcity within the country.
“The massive seizure includes, a truck with plate number DC 7184 RB (Nigeria), containing 766 jerrycans (25 litres each) and 18 drums (200 litres each) of PMS.
“Truck number AT 2457 RUP (Republic of Benin), containing 1,454 jerrycans (25 litres each) and 18 drums (200 litres each) of PMS.
“Truck number BV C240 Arubi (Republic of Benin), containing 1,350 jerrycans (25 litres each) and 18 drums (200 litres each) of PMS.
“Additional 805 kegs (25 litres each) seized from various smuggling routes, including Dole Kaina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya.”
To prevent artificial scarcity and ensure citizens, rather than smugglers, benefit from the intercepted fuel, the seized PMS will be sold at a controlled price of N10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan, Ejibunu confirmed.
Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwakureke, reiterated the agency’s commitment to crushing smuggling networks in the region.
“We remain committed to facilitating trade and ensuring a seamless business environment for legitimate traders. For smugglers, our operations will only intensify to bring smuggling to its lowest possible level,” Nwakureke warned.
The Comptroller commended the relentless efforts of Customs officers, emphasizing that the success of Operation Whirlwind was a direct result of intelligence-driven enforcement and collaboration with sister security agencies.
“This success is a testament to the dedication and synergy between Customs and other security agencies. We will continue to work together to protect the nation’s economy,” he added.
