Customs Dismantles Smuggling Network, Seizes 34,470 Litres of PMS
By Asuquo Nuwak
Customs Dismantles Smuggling Network, Seizes 34,470 Litres of PMS
•••As CGC authorises public auction at subsidised rate
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 34,470 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Adamawa and Taraba border corridors.
According to the report, upon acting on intelligence, operatives seized 1,149 jerry cans of pms along with a specially modified transport vehicle valued at ₦4 million, bringing the total Duty Paid Value of the confiscated items to ₦37.78 million.
The Comptroller- General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, who disclosed this recently at a press briefing in Jalingo, Taraba state capital, also described the operation as a strategic response to the growing sophistication of transnational smuggling networks.
The CGC is quoted as saying that: “Our intelligence-led operations have revealed that this corridor is a strategic transit point for cross-border petroleum diversion. The economic implications extend beyond revenue losses, it disrupts supply chains, fuels artificial scarcity, and undermines regional security”.
Aside from this, the CGC also issued a stern warning against internal collusion. In the words of the CGC: “We have intelligence that some officers and members of border communities are aiding smugglers. We will dig deeper into this and ensure that those involved face the full wrath of the law”.
Furthermore, the CGC reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to combating smuggling. The Customs Area Controller of Adamawa/Taraba Command, Comptroller Garba Bashir, who emphasised the dangers of illicit trade, also said smuggling weakens legitimate trade, encourages revenue loss, lead to increase in crime, and endangers the citizens. Comptroller Garba Bashir added that the operatives of Operation Whirlwind, under the leadership of the Comptroller- General, have intensified efforts to dismantle these smuggling networks.
The Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Hussaini Ejibunu, highlighted the efficiency of intelligence-led operations, adding that the seizures were made within three hours.
ACG Hussaini Ejibunu is quoted as saying that: “This is an intelligence-based operation, not one conducted at fixed checkpoints. The results you see today confirm that Taraba is being used as a conduit for smuggling.
He further called on community members to support the fight against smuggling, adding that there is no hiding place for criminals, as anyone caught will be prosecuted. ACG Ejibunu is quoted as calling on the public to say that: “If you see something, say something”.
In order to mitigate the effects of smuggling-induced fuel shortages, the Comptroller-General of Customs, directed that the seized petroleum products should be sold to citizens at a subsidised rate.
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