Customs seizes over 69,000 smuggled Fuel, says Attacks on Officers will not be tolerated

By Taiwo Oyedeji

The development by the Nigerian Customs Services (NCS) was announced on Thursday, 31 July at the Customs Headquarters in Yola, by Assistant Comptroller-General, Hussain Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, during a press meeting.

The press briefing was attended by dignitaries including Comptroller Ike Oladeji, Deputy National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, and Bashir Sirajo, State Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

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In his statement, Ejibunu announced that The Nigerian Custom Service has intercepted over 69,375 liters of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Adamawa and Taraba States in their ongoing Operation– Operation Whirlwind.

He stated that in the past Six weeks, the Customs operatives had seized 2,276 jerrycans of 25 litres of PMS and 19 jerrycans of AGO, which amounted to over 69,000 litres, all which were concealed and intended for illegal export to a neighbouring country.

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According to the NCS, the smuggled fuel was recovered from several notorious smuggling routes like Malabu-Belel, Girei-WuroBokki, Gurin-Fufore, Jam Terry, Maiha, Jimeta Waterside, and the Mubi–Sahuda axis. Two vehicles used in the transportation of the smuggled products were also seized.

Issuing a stern warning to people who attack Customs Officers during their operations. “The Service will not tolerate any form of aggression against its officers. Such acts are criminal and will be met with the full force of the law,” Ejibunu declared.

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Also speaking at the press meeting, the Customs Area Comptroller for Adamawa/Taraba, Comptroller Garba Bature Bashir, commended Officers’ efforts under Operation Whirlwind while also stating the implications of smuggling on Nigeria’s economy and national security.

“Smuggling undermines economic growth, threatens national security, and erodes citizens’ welfare,” he stated.

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He further appealed to the public and media for support through intelligence sharing and through awareness and campaigns.

In a move to ease the fuel burden on citizens, the NCS announced that the seized fuel would be resold to the public at 10,000 naira per 25 litres jerrycan, in line with federal directives in order to alleviate fuel hardship.