In a historic operation under Operation Whirlwind, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made its largest-ever seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to combating fuel smuggling.
Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Financial Administration and Special Duty, as well as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kebbi State.
Ejibunu emphasized that the smuggling of PMS poses a severe threat to Nigeria’s economy, resulting in revenue losses, trade distortions, artificial scarcity, and national security risks. He reiterated the NCS’s determination to safeguard Nigeria’s resources and enforce government policies.
“This landmark seizure underscores our relentless efforts to protect the country’s economic stability. The Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in tackling smuggling activities that undermine national development,” Ejibunu stated.
Massive PMS Interception in Kebbi
Acting on credible intelligence, Customs operatives intercepted three trucks loaded with smuggled PMS in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State after days of surveillance. The seized vehicles and contents include:
- Truck Plate Number DC 7184 RB (Nigeria) – Containing 766 jerrycans (25 litres each) and 18 drums (200 litres each) of PMS.
- Truck Number AT 2457 RUP (Republic of Benin) – Holding 1,454 jerrycans (25 litres each) and 18 drums (200 litres each) of PMS.
- Truck Number BV C240 Arubi (Republic of Benin) – Loaded with 1,350 jerrycans (25 litres each) and 18 drums (200 litres each) of PMS.
- Additionally, 805 kegs (25 litres each) of PMS were confiscated at various smuggling hotspots, including Dole Kaina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya.
To prevent hoarding and ensure citizens benefit, the intercepted PMS was sold at a government-controlled price of ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan.
Customs Reiterates Crackdown on Smuggling
Speaking at the briefing, the Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwakureke, reaffirmed the service’s commitment to intensifying operations against smuggling in the region.
“We are determined to dismantle smuggling networks and enforce trade regulations effectively. Legitimate traders will always have our support, but smugglers will face even tougher enforcement,” Nwakureke stated.
The operation, driven by intelligence and inter-agency collaboration, underscores the effectiveness of Nigeria Customs’ enforcement strategies. Nwakureke commended the dedication of Customs officers and the synergy with sister security agencies in tackling smuggling.
“This success highlights the importance of collaboration in securing Nigeria’s economy. We will continue working with stakeholders to protect national interests,” he added.
Strengthening Border Security
On his way back from Kebbi, ACG Hussein Ejibunu visited the Sokoto Customs Area Command, where he met with Comptroller Umar Abdulkadir of the Sokoto-Zamfara Command. During the visit, he inspected officers and men of the service, reaffirming Customs’ commitment to strengthening border security and sustaining the crackdown on smuggling activities.
The Nigeria Customs Service has vowed to maintain the momentum in its anti-smuggling campaign while reinforcing partnerships to facilitate legitimate trade and economic growth.
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