Kegs of smuggled petrol intercepted by customs operatives
By Patrick ABANG, Calabar –
Against the backdrop of illegal exportation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across Nigerian borders, the Nigeria Customs Service has warned that smugglers and other perpetrators shall be duly punished
This was made known by the National Coordinator for Operation Whirlwind; Controller HK Ejibunu, in a press conference at Cross River/Akwa Ibom/FTZ area command headquarters in Calabar.
According to him, the huge seizures of petroleum products is in continuation of efforts to disrupt and dismantle the network of cartels and smugglers of Premium Motor Spirit, especially in the Riverine areas.
Ejibunu noted that the operation is jointly coordinated by the ONSA and NCS in synergy with NMDPRA regulatory authority in oil & gas sector.
It could be recalled that in the maiden press conference granted by the CGC in Yola, Adamawa State in zone ‘D’, two weeks after inauguration of the special operations on 31st may, 2024, the CGC displayed a combined total seizure of 280,135 liters of PMS worth over 195.5million.
He confirmed another seizure of one thousand and sixty five (1,065) kegs of PMS, containing twenty five liters each, which translates into (26,625) twenty-six thousand, six hundred and twenty-five liters of PMS together with one mode of conveyance. With a total DPV of forty million, fifty-four thousand, one hundred and twenty-five (40,054,125) Naira only.
“These interceptions were made in different dates and locations across Agbaragba-Ikom, Akansoko road, Ikom-Ogoja road and other places within the zone. It is worthy to note that in collaboration with NMDPRA, the operative monitored the supply and distribution chain right from the depot of loading up to the final destination (Retail Outlets) to ensure PMS reaches its manifested destinations.
According to him, “As you are all aware, the terrain here in South-South and South-East is mostly covered by Riverine areas. Despite these challenge, we were able to record these tremendous successes. That is why it is imperative to sincerely thank the Cross River/Akwa Ibom Area Command, F.O.U Zone C and Border drill for their continuous support towards success of this Special Operation and their quick response whenever we call upon them.”
He urged members of the PMS smuggling cartels to have a re-think and better go into legitimate businesses because they will continue to be sought after as economic saboteurs, as there’s no place for their illegal activities.
“The illegal exportation of Nigeria’s PMS to our neighboring countries will not be tolerated by Nigeria customs service.”, he said.
