Under Operation Whirlwind, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a significant milestone by making its largest single seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State since the operation began. This announcement was made during a press briefing on Tuesday by Hussein Ejibunu, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Financial Administration and Special Duty, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
Ejibunu highlighted the serious threat that smuggling of PMS poses to the Nigerian economy, leading to revenue losses, distorted trade statistics, artificial scarcity, and challenges to national security. He reiterated that this operation showcases NCS’s unwavering commitment to curbing illegal fuel smuggling.
As Customs Makes Largest PMS Seizure in Nigeria, it signifies a milestone in our efforts to protect Nigeria’s critical resources. The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in tackling smuggling activities that undermine government policies and economic stability,” he stated.
The interception, based on credible intelligence, took place in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State following days of surveillance. The seized items include a truck with plate number DC 7184 RB, which contained 766 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS. Additionally, another truck, AT 2457 RUP with a Republic of Benin plate, was found carrying 1,454 25-litre jerrycans and 18 200-litre drums of PMS. Another truck, BV C240 Arubi, also with a Republic of Benin plate, contained 1,350 25-litre jerrycans and 18 drums of 200 litres of PMS. Furthermore, 805 kegs of 25 litres of PMS were seized at various flashpoints across the zone, including Dole Kaina, Zaria, Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya.
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Ejibunu reinforced the NCS’s commitment to fighting fuel smuggling and emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in securing Nigeria’s borders. The seized PMS will be sold at a controlled price of 10,000 Naira per 25-litre jerrycan to ensure that citizens benefit rather than smugglers.
During the press conference, Comptroller Chidi Nwakureke, the Customs Area Controller for Kebbi Command, reiterated their dedication to combating smuggling in Kebbi State. He assured stakeholders of the agency’s commitment to enforcing trade regulations. “We remain committed to facilitating trade and ensuring a seamless business environment for legitimate traders. For smugglers, our operations will only intensify to bring smuggling to its lowest possible level,” he affirmed.
The event highlighted the recent seizures and underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations. Nwakureke commended the efforts of Customs officers in executing successful enforcement actions and acknowledged the collaboration with sister agencies, which play a critical role in ongoing anti-smuggling initiatives. “This success is a testament to the dedication and synergy between Customs and other security agencies. We will continue to work together to protect the nation’s economy,” he added.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its determination to sustain momentum in tackling smuggling and to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to facilitate legitimate trade.
Meanwhile, on his return from Kebbi, ACG Hussein Ejibunu visited the Sokoto Customs Area Command, where he met with Comptroller Umar Abdulkadir, the Area Controller for Sokoto-Zamfara Command, along with officers of the service. During this visit, he inspected command officers and reiterated the NCS’s commitment to border security and the fight against smuggling.
As Customs Makes Largest PMS Seizure in Nigeria, the NCS continues its efforts to protect the economy and uphold the rule of law.
