By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded numerous successes through the area commands over two weeks by...
By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded numerous successes through the area commands over two weeks by implementing Operation Whirlwind in Adamawa and across Nigeria.
The Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, briefed newsmen in Yola, Adamawa on Monday. He addressed the alarming increase in fuel smuggling and announced that the NCS, in collaboration with the NSA office, initiated Operation Whirlwind for a nationwide operation.
The operation was launched to ensure that "Nigeria enjoys the full benefits of fuel price deregulation in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to defend the national currency, and to reduce the pressure that may be attributed to smuggling activities.
"Identify, dismantle, and disrupt smuggling cartels operating within the ecosystem and raise awareness among local communities, soliciting their support to achieve these objectives," said Adeniyi.
The Nigeria Customs Service Chief announced significant strides made by the ongoing Operation Whirlwind aimed at curbing the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) out of the country.
He said, "In the past two weeks, we have received credible intelligence on the relative stability of PMS prices around border states, which can be attributed to the disruption of smuggling operations.
"Within seven days of intensive operations, a total of 150,950 liters of PMS, valued at ₦105,965,391, have been intercepted at various locations nationwide.
"On May 31, 2024, a total of 45,000 liters of PMS in a tanker was seized in Mova, Adamawa State. On June 1, 2024, another 45,000 liters of PMS in a tanker was seized in Mubi, Adamawa. On June 3, 2024, a total of 2,375 liters of PMS in 95 25-liter jerrycans were seized in Mubi.
"On June 5, 2024, Operation Whirlwind seized a total of 4,450 liters of PMS in 178 25-liter jerrycans at three different locations, including Song, Wuroboki, Mubi-Sahuda Road, and Gidan Madara-Sahuda in the state.
"On June 6, 2024, a total of 20,030 liters of PMS in 25 and 30-liter jerrycans were seized in various locations across the country, including Maiha in Adamawa, Illela in Sokoto State, and Agbaragba Creek at the Mfum border of Cross River State," he said.
Emphasizing the role of the Customs Service in curbing oil smuggling activities in the country, he said, "The service has recorded significant seizures of PMS from unpatriotic individuals attempting to deprive Nigerians of access to fuel and cause unnecessary hardship.
"While the operation continues, our Federal Operating Units and Marine Commands have intercepted a total of 129,185 liters of fuel valued at ₦90,568,685. Notably, 54.48% of these seizures occurred in the Northwest region," he said.
The head of the Nigeria National Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, also praised the cooperation between the NSA office and the customs officials in stopping fuel smuggling from other countries.
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