The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confiscated 199,495 litres of smuggled premium motor spirit (PMS) worth N199 million in Zone D axis, which comprises Adamawa and Taraba commands.

The comptroller general of customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this at a press conference on Thursday in Yola.

He said the products were allegedly on the verge of being smuggled into Cameroon from Nigeria before they were intercepted.

“The intercepted items include four fuel tankers carrying 97,000 litres, 1,363 Jerry cans (25 litres each), totalling 34,075 litres, and 311 drums (220 litres each), totalling 68,420 litres.

“Other interceptions include fuel tankers attempting concealment at unauthorised dispensing points used as smuggling reservoirs,” Mr Adeniyi said.

The comptroller stated that personnel of the zone impounded the products following an intense intelligence-driven operation in the commands.

The comptroller explained that the feat was achieved through a special squad under “Operation Whirlwind,” which was strategically set up to enhance surveillance and enforcement along border areas.

Mr Adeniyi noted that the activities of smugglers undermined the domestic fuel supply chain and posed a serious threat to national security infrastructure.

He highlighted the risks involved in the operation, including night-time river crossings at Dasin waterways and the discovery and dismantling of illegal storage facilities along border communities.

The comptroller general stressed that the economic damage caused by smuggling was significant, emphasising the need for synergy among relevant agencies to combat the menace.

“The NCS remains resolute on its mandate to protect the national economy,” Mr Adeniyi assured.

(NAN)