The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 150,950 litres of premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, with the market value of N105, 965,391 at various locations across the country.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi disclosed to newsmen during a press briefing in Yola, the Adamawa State capital on Monday.
Adeniyi noted that alarming increase in fuel smuggling inspired the NCS, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser to initiate Operation Whirl Wind to curb the menace.
The operation, according to the Customs boss, was initiated to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the full benefits of fuel price deregulation in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu to defend the currency and reduce the pressure that may be attributed to smuggling activities.
Speaking on the success in curbing the activities of smugglers, Adeniyi said, “In the past two weeks, we have received credible intelligence on the relative stability of the price of PMS around border-states, this is easily attributed to disruption in the operation of smugglers.
“Within 7 days of intensive operation, a total of 150,950 litres of PMS, valued at N105, 965,391 have been intercepted at various locations nationwide.
“On 31 May 2024, a total of 45,000 litres of PMS in a tanker was seized at Mova, Adamawa State; on 1st June 2024, a total of 45,000 litres of PMS in a tanker was seized at Mubi, Adamawa; on 3rd of June 2024, seized a total of 2,375 litres of PMS in 95 25-litre Jerry cans were seized at Mubi,” Adeniyi said.
He added, “On 5th of June 2024, Operation Whirl Wind seized a total of 4,450 litres of PMS in 178 25liter Jerry cans in three different locations, including Song, Wuroboki, Mubi-Sahuda Road and Gidan Madara Sahuda in the state.
“On 6th June 2024, a total of 20 – 30 litres of PMS in 25 and 30-litre Jerry cans were seized in various locations across the country, including Maiha in Adamawa; Illela in Sokoto State and Agbaragba Creek in Mfum Border of Cross River State.”
He emphasised the role of the Customs in curbing the activities of oil smugglers in the country, noting, “The service has recorded significant seizures of PMS from unpatriotic individuals attempting to deprive Nigerians of access to fuel and cause unnecessary hardship.”
Adeniyi further disclosed that the other agencies and Marine Commands intercepted 129,185 litres of fuel valued at N90,568,685 out of which he said 54.48% seizures were made in the Northwest region.