Yola: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) seized N93.03 million worth of petrol in Adamawa during six weeks of Operation Whirlwind, Zone ‘D’.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this at a news conference on Friday in Yola.
Aliyu, represented by the Comptroller-General Dr Bashir Adeniyi, said the operation supports efforts to safeguard food security, energy supply, and national stability, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate.
He highlighted the success of ongoing intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations aimed at disrupting syndicates.
The seized items have a total Duty Paid Value of N93,029,800, representing the market value including applicable duties.
“The Items seized include: 64,410 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS popularly called Petrol) concealed in 2,550 Jerry Cans of 25 litres each.
“Also, three drums of 220 litres capacity of PMS, intended to be smuggled out of the country with two vehicles used for conveyance,” he said.
He said that within six weeks, the operation recorded significant seizures of illegally exported goods across various locations through coordinated intelligence-based enforcement.
Aliyu said the unit recorded 47 seizures across Mubi-Sahuda, Farang-Belel, Gurin-Fufore, Maiha, Mubi and Pariya-Wuro Bokki axis.
Operatives intercepted a DAF tanker carrying 50,000 litres of PMS along Mubi-Uba road on April 15, amid suspicion that the fuel was being diverted illegally.
According to him, the team will hand over the tanker to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further action.
He noted that intelligence-driven operations targeting smuggling syndicates across the state, in accordance with enabling laws, led to these successes.
Aliyu said the seizures contravened provisions of sections 150, 248 and 250 of the NCS Act, 2023.
He added that the operatives equally acted in accordance with section 226 of the NCS Act, 2023, which gave them the power to patrol freely and apprehend the goods.
Aliyu attributed persistent smuggling to price disparities in petroleum products between Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as Cameroon and the Republic of Benin.
He said the price differences continued to drive illegal smuggling of petroleum products for profit.
The government remains committed to market stability, national security, and curbing the illicit export of petroleum products, despite deregulation.
Aliyu said the seized PMS would be auctioned in line with the law, with proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.
He reaffirmed that the service remains committed to dismantling smuggling networks and reducing illegal activities to the barest minimum.
Aliyu praised security agencies and stakeholders for their support.
He encouraged the public to provide credible information to security agencies.
He urged the media to raise awareness of the impact of smuggling.