In a historic crackdown, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made its largest single seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State since the launch of Operation Whirlwind.
Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Hussein Ejibunu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kebbi State on Tuesday.
Ejibunu highlighted the grave economic consequences of PMS smuggling, including revenue losses, trade distortions, artificial scarcity, and threats to national security.
He emphasized that this landmark seizure demonstrates the NCS’s unwavering commitment to curbing illegal fuel smuggling.
He stated that this seizure marks a significant milestone in their efforts to protect Nigeria’s critical resources and reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s resolve in tackling smuggling activities that undermine government policies and economic stability.
The interception, based on credible intelligence, occurred in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State following days of surveillance.
The seized items included three trucks carrying thousands of litres of PMS. One truck, with plate number DC 7184 RB (Nigeria), contained 766 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each.
Another truck, with plate number AT 2457 RUP (Republic of Benin), carried 1,454 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each.
A third truck, with plate number BV C240 Arubi (Republic of Benin), was loaded with 1,350 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each.
In addition, 805 kegs of 25 litres of PMS were confiscated from various smuggling flashpoints, including Dole Kaina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya.
To ensure that citizens benefit rather than smugglers, the seized PMS was sold at a controlled price of ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan.
During the press conference, Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwakureke, reiterated the command’s commitment to combating smuggling and intensifying trade regulation enforcement in Kebbi State.
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