Crime

How Customs Seize N86.7m Worth of Petrol in Adamawa, Generate N500m in Five Months

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 6th, 2024.

How Customs Seize N86.7m Worth of Petrol in Adamawa, Generate N500m in Five Months

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported the successful interception of significant quantities of smuggled petroleum products, generating over N500 million in revenue from petroleum smugglers across the country in just five months.

According to sources within the NCS, the newly launched special task force, Operation Whirlwind, has been instrumental in these efforts. In a press briefing in Yola on Wednesday, Controller Husaini Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, outlined the task force’s successes during sting operations conducted between October and November. These efforts resulted in the seizure of petroleum products worth N86.7 million in the Adamawa and Taraba commands.

Ejibunu disclosed that the operation intercepted over 71,965 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), including 1,124 jerry cans (ranging from 25 to 60 litres), 53 drums (200 litres each), and 21,000 litres transported in two fuel tankers. Additionally, five vehicles and two motorcycles were seized during the operations. The illicit petroleum products were bound for the Republic of Cameroon before being intercepted.

The team also successfully apprehended 14 fuel tankers suspected of being involved in the diversion and smuggling of petroleum. Thirteen of these tankers were handed over to the National Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Yola, while one was transferred to NMDPRA in Taraba for further investigation.

Ejibunu attributed the operation’s successes to the continuous support from the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi Bashir, particularly in providing logistical support and creating a conducive working environment. He also stressed that the crackdown has significantly curbed smuggling activities in the region, improving fuel availability and stabilizing prices in Adamawa State.

He assured the public that the seized products would be auctioned, with proceeds directed into the Federal Government’s account. Controller Garba Bashir, in charge of the Adamawa and Taraba State commands, emphasized the command’s dedication to combating smuggling and ensuring the economic integrity of the region.