The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under Operation Whirlwind, has seized petrol and a vehicle worth N63.1 million intended to be smuggled out of the country in the Adamawa corridor.
Speaking on the development on Wednesday in Yola, the Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Aliyu Abubakar, said that the success was recorded in operations within the last six weeks in the zone.
According to him, Operation Whirlwind remains steadfast in suppressing smuggling and illegal trade, protecting the national economy and safeguarding public safety.
“PMS totalling 38,700 litres intended to be smuggled out of the country, alongside one vehicle used for transporting the concealed fuel, were seized.
“This is followed by actionable intelligence regarding illegal smuggling activities along the border corridors.
“The aggregate Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized Product and the means of conveyance stands at N63,115,000 only”, he said.
According to him, the seized PMS will be auctioned to the general public due to its inflammable nature in accordance with the Customs Act, 2023.
Abubakar added that the proceeds will be remitted into the federation account.
He warned the smugglers to desist from such an act and assured their readiness to ensure smuggling cartels were dismantled.
The coordinator appreciated the support and cooperation of all stakeholders towards ensuring their operations were successful.
In his remarks, Dr Bashir Sirajo, Adamawa Coordinator, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), lauded NCS for the partnership in containing smuggling of petroleum products.
Sirajo, represented by the Head of Operations, Humuri Timothy, said that smuggling activity not only affects the nation’s economy but also leads to artificial scarcity of the product in the country.
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