Customs Operation Whirlwind Team 'A' Seizes Massive Haul of Smuggled Petroleum Products

Customs Operation Whirlwind Team 'A' Seizes Massive Haul of Smuggled Petroleum Products

The Nigeria Customs Service Special Team, "Operation Whirlwind," dedicated to curbing the illegal smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria, successfully intercepted 21,810 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Seme Badagry road within Zone 'A' axis.

During a press briefing at the Seme Area Command on Monday, June 24, 2024, the National Coordinator, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, highlighted that the operation was executed based on credible intelligence. "The Operation Whirlwind Team's efforts to curtail the illegal smuggling of PMS in Zone 'A' resulted in the interception of 21,810 litres of the product. Smuggling causes significant distortion in the supply chain of petroleum products to designated states and filling stations," Ejibunu stated.

Comptroller Ejibunu emphasized that such illicit activities contribute to insecurity, with diverted petroleum products often being used by bandits and other notorious groups, thereby undermining Nigeria's internal sovereignty.

The seized items include:

- 43 kegs of PMS (30 litres each), totaling 1,290 litres

- One mark truck/tanker with chassis no: IMIAD3840TW003697 containing 15,200 litres of PMS at Jubau Filling Station along Seme Badagry road

- One Suzuki salon with registration no: SMK 83 BK on June 14, 2024

Additional seizures were made on June 18, 2024, including:

- One Pathfinder Jeep with registration no: ABJ591DC 

- One Toyota Avensis with registration no: 1973, both specially built bunkers loaded with PMS at Muse Filling Station

- 124 kegs of PMS (30 litres each), totaling 3,720 litres

- 65 kegs of PMS (40 litres each), totaling 2,600 litres

In total, 189 kegs of PMS were intercepted at TIMI BOY GLOBAL VENTURE on June 19, 2024.

Ejibunu highlighted the dual dangers of petrol smuggling, both economic and security-related, and called on well-meaning Nigerians to provide timely information. He stressed that the battle against petrol smuggling requires the concerted effort of all citizens.