Customs Intercepts Over 41,000 Liters of PMS in Latest Crackdown

Customs Intercepts Over 41,000 Liters of PMS in Latest Crackdown

Yola, Adamawa State - July 24, 2024

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced significant progress in its ongoing crackdown on the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across Nigeria's borders. Comptroller Husseini Kolawole Ejibunu, National Coordinator of the special operation codenamed "Operation Whirlwind," revealed this development during a press briefing at the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command.

Major Seizures and Operations:

Comptroller Ejibunu highlighted a recent operation that led to the interception of 1,481 kegs and 20 drums of PMS, totaling approximately 41,425 liters. The operation also involved the seizure of nine vehicles used for transporting the illicit fuel. The confiscated goods are valued at approximately 48.5 million naira. These seizures occurred across various locations, including the Mubi-Sahuda road, Girei-Wuro Boki axis, Maiha road, and Agwuwa Tana-Bakin Kogi axis.

This operation is part of a broader strategy to disrupt and dismantle smuggling networks, a mission shared with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The operation ensures strict monitoring of the PMS supply chain, from loading depots to retail outlets, to prevent diversion and smuggling.

Challenges and Commitment:

Despite facing threats and harassment from those involved in the illegal trade, Comptroller Ejibunu affirmed that the NCS remains steadfast in its duty to curb smuggling. The Customs Service has repositioned its personnel across critical points to strengthen border security and combat these economic crimes.

**Call to Law-Abiding Citizens and Businesses:**

Addressing the concerns of legitimate oil marketers, Ejibunu emphasized that the crackdown targets only illicit activities and not lawful business operations. He encouraged compliant businesses to continue their operations without fear, assuring them of the NCS's support.

**Acknowledgments and Future Actions:**

The Comptroller praised the efforts of NCS personnel, the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, and various security units for their roles in the successful operations. He also acknowledged the leadership of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR for creating an enabling environment for these initiatives.

In closing, Ejibunu urged those involved in smuggling to reconsider their actions and engage in legitimate business activities. He reiterated the NCS's commitment to eradicating smuggling, emphasizing that the illegal exportation of Nigeria's PMS to neighboring countries will not be tolerated.

The Nigeria Customs Service continues to work towards safeguarding the nation's resources and ensuring economic stability, with ongoing operations to combat smuggling across Nigeria's borders.

For more information, please contact the Nigeria Customs Service.