Crime

Customs Seize Nearly 72,000 Litres of Petrol Destined for Smuggling into Cameroon

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 28th, 2024.

Customs Seize Nearly 72,000 Litres of Petrol Destined for Smuggling into Cameroon

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully intercepted 71,965 litres of petrol that was allegedly being smuggled from Adamawa and Taraba States into neighboring Cameroon. This operation was carried out under the framework of “Operation Whirlwind,” a special task force focused on curbing fuel smuggling.

The confiscated fuel, which has an estimated value of over N81 million, was seized during a recent press briefing held in Yola, Adamawa State. The National Coordinator of the operation, Husseini Ejibunu, outlined the details of the seizures, noting that the operation’s latest results spanned from the last briefing on October 9, 2024.

According to Ejibunu, the team recovered 1,124 jerry cans of varying sizes—25, 40, and 60 litres—each containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Additionally, 53 drums, each with a 200-litre capacity, and two fuel tankers containing a combined 21,000 litres of PMS were seized. He confirmed that all the seized fuel, amounting to 71,965 litres in total, was intended for illegal exportation to Cameroon.

Beyond the fuel seizures, Operation Whirlwind also intercepted 14 fuel tankers suspected of being involved in product diversion and smuggling. Thirteen of the tankers were handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Yola, while one was forwarded to the NMDPRA office in Taraba for further investigation.

Ejibunu emphasized that the success of the operation has contributed to a more stable supply of PMS in Adamawa State. He reiterated the team’s commitment to tackling the activities of illegal fuel marketers and maintaining vigilance in protecting Nigeria’s oil resources.