Customs Seizes Largest PMS Smuggling Haul in Kebbi, Pledges Continued Crackdown

Customs Seizes Largest PMS Smuggling Haul in Kebbi, Pledges Continued Crackdown  

*Kebbi, Nigeria – March 2025*  

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded its largest single seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State under *Operation Whirlwind*, a special initiative aimed at curbing fuel smuggling.  

Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Financial Administration and Special Duty, and National Coordinator of *Operation Whirlwind*, Hussein Ejibunu, announced the seizure during a press briefing in Kebbi State on Tuesday.  

Ejibunu highlighted the severe economic and security threats posed by PMS smuggling, including revenue losses, trade distortions, artificial scarcity, and national security risks. He reaffirmed the NCS’s determination to eradicate the illicit trade.  

> *“This seizure marks a significant milestone in our fight against fuel smuggling. The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in protecting the country’s resources and ensuring economic stability,”* he stated.  

Details of the Seizure 

Acting on credible intelligence and after days of surveillance, Customs operatives intercepted several trucks transporting smuggled PMS in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State. The seized consignments include:  

- **Truck Plate Number DC 7184 RB (Nigeria):** Contained **766 jerrycans** of **25 litres** each and **18 drums** of **200 litres** each.  

- **Truck Number AT 2457 RUP (Republic of Benin):** Carried **1,454 jerrycans** of **25 litres** each and **18 drums** of **200 litres** each.  

- **Truck Number BV C240 Arubi (Republic of Benin):** Transported **1,350 jerrycans** of **25 litres** each and **18 drums** of **200 litres** each.  

- Additionally, **805 kegs of 25 litres** were seized from multiple flashpoints, including Dole Kaina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya.  

Fuel Sold to Citizens at Controlled Prices

To prevent artificial scarcity and ensure the seized fuel benefits the public, the NCS sold the PMS at a controlled rate of **₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan**.  

Customs Vows to Sustain Crackdown on Smuggling

Speaking at the event, Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwakureke, reiterated the agency’s commitment to eradicating smuggling in the region.  

> *“We remain committed to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying operations against smugglers. Our resolve to enforce trade regulations remains stronger than ever,”* he said.  

He commended the intelligence-driven operations that led to the seizure and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of sister security agencies in tackling cross-border smuggling.  

> *“This success is a testament to the dedication and synergy between Customs and other security agencies. We will continue working together to protect Nigeria’s economy,”* Nwakureke added.  

Customs Chief Inspects Officers in Sokoto  

On his return from Kebbi, ACG Hussein Ejibunu visited the Sokoto Customs Area Command, where he met with Comptroller Umar Abdulkadir of the Sokoto-Zamfara Command. He inspected officers and reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders against smuggling activities.  

The Nigeria Customs Service pledged to sustain its crackdown on smuggling while strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to promote legitimate trade.