Customs lament increase in petrol smuggling, seize 199,495 liters of petrol worth over N199m 

By, Yagana Ali, Yola 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on petroleum product smuggling, intercepting a total of 199,495 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in a recent operation in Yola, Adamawa State. 

The seizure, executed under Operation Whirlwind, has a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N199,495,000, reinforcing the government’s resolve to curb economic sabotage and protect the nation’s fuel supply chain.

The comptroller general of customs, Bashir Adeniyi who conducted journalists round the seized items said it was the third round of seizures since the establishment of the Operation Whirlwind in the state.

He highlighted that the smuggling of petroleum products remains a major threat to national security and economic stability. 

Adeniyi stated that despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to ensure adequate domestic supply and energy sector stability, some unpatriotic individuals continue to divert fuel to neighbouring countries for illicit profits

The comptroller general of customs said the seized products which were loaded in drums and Jerry cans were being illegally moved from the two states and out of the country.

He added that Customs officers seized the indicated total volume of petrol in the course of intelligence-driven operations across the Zone D axis covering Adamawa/Taraba command.

The Customs Controller incharge of Adamawa and Taraba Garba Bashir calling on the smugglers to desist from such act

The Comptroller however says the officers and men of the command will not relent in fighting any act of smugglers in the State and Nigeria as a whole

The CG assured that the Nigeria Customs Service, through the Operations Whirlwind, is determined to stop economic saboteurs from diverting strategic national assets like petrol meant for consumption within the country.