The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it recorded seizures worth N93.03 million in Adamawa within six weeks under Operation Whirlwind, Zone ‘D’ Axis.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this at a news conference on Friday in Yola.
Aliyu, represented by the Comptroller-General, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, 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 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol, concealed in 2,550 jerrycans of 25 liters each.
“Also seized were three drums of 220-litre capacity containing PMS, intended to be smuggled out of the country, along with two vehicles used for conveyance,” he said.
He noted that within six weeks, the operation recorded significant seizures of illegally exported goods across various locations through coordinated intelligence-based enforcement.
Aliyu said the unit recorded 47 seizures across the Mubi-Sahuda, Farang-Belel, Gurin-Fufore, Maiha, Mubi, and Pariya-Wuro Bokki axis.
He added that operatives also intercepted a DAF tanker conveying 50,000 liters 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.
Aliyu explained that the seizures contravened provisions of Sections 150, 248, and 250 of the NCS Act, 2023.
He added that the operatives also acted in line with Section 226 of the Act, which empowers them to patrol freely and apprehend such goods.
Aliyu attributed persistent smuggling to price disparities in petroleum products between Nigeria and neighboring countries like Cameroon and the Benin Republic.
He said the price differences continue to drive the illegal exportation of petroleum products for profit.
“Despite deregulation, the government remains committed to ensuring market stability, national security, and curbing illicit exportation of petroleum products,” he said.
Aliyu said the seized PMS would be auctioned in line with the law, with proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.
He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and reducing illegal activities to the barest minimum.
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.
Aliyu also called on the media to sensitise the public on the negative impact of smuggling on the economy and national security.
