Customs Seizes N93 Million in Stolen Petrol in Adamawa
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has documented confiscations valued at N93.03 million in Adamawa over a period of six weeks during Operation Whirlwind, Zone ‘D’ Axis.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu, revealed this at a press briefing on Friday in Yola.
Represented by the Comptroller-General, Dr. Bashir Adeniyi, Aliyu noted that the initiative underpins the efforts to ensure food security, energy provision, and national stability, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate.
“Our assembly today is to highlight achievements attained through ongoing intelligence-led anti-smuggling initiatives aimed at disrupting syndicates.
“The total Duty Paid Value of the confiscated items amounts to N93,029,800.
“The items confiscated comprise; 64,410 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS, commonly referred to as Petrol) concealed in 2,550 Jerry Cans of 25 litres each.
“Additionally, three drums with a capacity of 220 litres of PMS, intended for illegal export along with two vehicles utilized for transport,” he stated.
He mentioned that over six weeks, the operation achieved considerable confiscations of illegally exported goods across several locations via coordinated intelligence-led enforcement.
Aliyu indicated that the unit recorded 47 confiscations throughout Mubi-Sahuda, Farang-Belel, Gurin-Fufore, Maiha, Mubi, and the Pariya-Wuro Bokki area.
He also noted that operatives intercepted a DAF tanker carrying 50,000 litres of PMS along Mubi-Uba road on April 15 due to suspected diversion.
According to him, the tanker will be forwarded to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further proceedings.
He explained that the successes were a result of intelligence-led operations aimed at targeting smuggling networks throughout the state according to relevant laws.
Aliyu remarked that the confiscations violated sections 150, 248, and 250 of the NCS Act, 2023.
Furthermore, he stated that the operatives acted under section 226 of the NCS Act, 2023, which grants authority to patrol freely and seize goods.
Aliyu attributed ongoing smuggling activities to price differences of petroleum products between Nigeria and adjacent nations such as Cameroon and Benin Republic.
He noted that these price variations continued to fuel illegal exportation of petroleum products for profit by smugglers.
“Despite deregulation, the government remains dedicated to ensuring market stability, national security, and curbing unlawful exportation of petroleum products,” he affirmed.
Aliyu indicated that the seized PMS would be auctioned following the law, with the proceeds directed to the Federation Account.
He reiterated the service’s dedication to dismantling smuggling networks and minimizing illegal activities to the lowest possible level.
Aliyu praised the Office of the National Security Adviser, NMDPRA, other security agencies, and partners for their collaboration.
He appealed to the public to assist in the battle against smuggling by supplying timely and credible information to security agencies.
Aliyu also urged the media to educate the public on the adverse effects of smuggling on the economy and national security.
