Customs Makes Largest PMS Seizure in Kebbi, Reiterates Commitment to Tackling Smuggling
.Sells Product at Controlled Price to citizens
ZAINAB JUNAID
Operation Whirlwind team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made its largest single seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State, marking a significant milestone in the fight against smuggling.
Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Customs on Financial Administration and Special Duty, and also the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, disclosed this on Tuesday at a briefing held in kebbi Area Command.
Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Financial Administration and Special Duty, and also the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu at briefing held at Kebbi Command.
ACG Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR revealed that three trucks, including one with a Nigerian plate number and two with Republic of Benin plate numbers, containing thousands of jerrycans and drums of PMS were seized, based on credible intelligence at the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State, after days of surveillance.
According to him, “The interception, which was based on credible intelligence, occurred in the Tsamiya area of Kebbi State after days of surveillance. The seized items include Truck Plate number DC 7184 RB (Nigeria Plate Number), which Contains 766 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of PMS.
“Truck number AT 2457 RUP (Republic of Benin plate) contains 1,454 25-litres jerrycans and 18,200-litre drums of PMS.
“Truck number BV C240 Arubi—Republic of Benin plate Contained 1,350 jerrycans, each 25 litres, and 18 drums, each 200 litres of PMS.
“Additionally, 805 kegs of 25 litres of PMS were seized at various flashpoints in the zone, including Dole Kaina Zaria Kalakala Tunga Waterside, Lolo, and Tsamiya,” he said.
ACG Ejibunu emphasised that the operation demonstrates the NCS’s unwavering commitment to curbing illegal fuel smuggling.
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He explained that smuggling of PMS poses a serious threat to the Nigerian economy, leading to revenue losses, distortion of trade statistics, artificial scarcity, and threats to national security.
One of the trucks intercepted
“This seizure marks a significant 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.
125,000 litres of PMS Seized
Ejibunu reiterated the NCS’s commitment to sustaining the fight against fuel smuggling and strengthening inter-agency collaboration to secure Nigeria’s borders.
The Seized PMS was sold at a controlled price of 10,000 per 25-litre jerrican to ensure citizens benefit rather than the smugglers.
Also, the Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwakureke, reiterated their commitment to combating smuggling in Kebbi State, emphasising a strengthened resolve to curb illicit trade activities.
He reassured stakeholders of the agency’s dedication to enforcing trade regulations. “We remain committed to facilitating trade and ensuring seamless business environment for legitimate traders. For smugglers, our operations will only intensify to bring smuggling to its lowest possible level,” he said.
The event showcased recent seizures, underscoring the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations. Nwakureke commended the efforts of the operatives in executing successful enforcement actions and also acknowledged existing collaboration with sister agencies, highlighting their 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,” Nwakureke added.
The NCS reaffirmed its determination to sustain momentum in tackling smuggling while strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to facilitate legitimate trade.
In another development, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu paid courtesy visit to Sokoto-Zamfara Area Command, where he was warmly welcomed.
During the visit, he inspected Officers and Men of the Command, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to border security and the fight against smuggling.