The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it recorded seizures worth N93.03 million in Adamawa within six weeks under Operation Whirlwind, Zone ‘D’ Axis.

The national coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this at a news conference on Friday in Yola.

Representing the comptroller-general, Bashir Adeniyi, Mr Aliyu said the operation supports efforts to safeguard food security, energy supply and national stability, in line with the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.

“Our gathering today is to showcase successes recorded through ongoing intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations aimed at disrupting syndicates.

“The total duty-paid value of the seized items stands at N93,029,800. The items seized include 64,410 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol, concealed in 2,550 jerry cans of 25 litres each.

“Also three drums of 220 litres capacity of PMS, intended to be smuggled out of the country with two vehicles used for conveyance”, he said.

He said within six weeks, the operation recorded significant seizures of illegally exported goods across various locations through coordinated intelligence-based enforcement.

Mr Aliyu said the unit recorded 47 seizures across the Mubi-Sahuda, Farang-Belel, Gurin-Fufore, Maiha, Mubi and Pariya-Wuro Bokki axis.

He said operatives also intercepted a DAF tanker conveying 50,000 litres of PMS along the Mubi-Uba road on April 15 over suspected diversion.

According to him, the tanker will be handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further action. 

He said the successes followed intelligence-driven operations targeting smuggling syndicates across the state in accordance with enabling laws.

Mr Aliyu said the seizures contravened provisions of sections 150, 248 and 250 of the NCS Act, 2023.

He added that the operatives equally acted in accordance with section 226 of the NCS Act, 2023, which gave power to patrol freely and apprehend the goods.

Mr Aliyu attributed persistent smuggling to price disparities of petroleum products between Nigeria and neighbouring countries like Cameroon and Benin Republic.

He said the price differences continued to drive illegal exportation of petroleum products for profit by smugglers.

“Despite deregulation, government remains committed to ensuring market stability, national security and curbing the illicit exportation of petroleum products,” he said.

Mr Aliyu said the seized PMS would be auctioned in line with the law, with the proceeds remitted to the federation account.

He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and reducing illegal activities to the barest minimum.

Mr Aliyu commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, NMDPRA, other security agencies and stakeholders for their collaboration.

He urged the public to support the fight against smuggling by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

Mr Aliyu also called on the media to sensitise the public on the negative impact of smuggling on the economy and national security.

(NAN)