NCS impounds over 38,000 litres of PMS in Adamawa

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Operation Whirlwind, has impounded more than 38,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across border areas in Adamawa State.

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller-General Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press briefing in Yola.

He said the seized PMS had a combined duty-paid value of N63.115 million, including the value of a vehicle allegedly used to transport the products, following a six-week crackdown on suspected petroleum smuggling activities in Adamawa State.

Aliyu said the seizures followed intelligence-driven operations targeting identified smuggling hotspots across the state, particularly routes suspected of being used to move petroleum products illegally across Nigeria’s borders.

He listed the locations where the seizures were made as Malabu-Belel, Girei-Wuro Bokki, Gurin-Fufore, Wuro Alhaji-Maiha and Mubi-Sahuda.

According to him, Customs operatives recovered 1,548 jerrycans of petrol, each with a capacity of 25 litres, bringing the total volume of the seized products to 38,700 litres. A vehicle allegedly used to transport the petroleum products was also intercepted during the operations.

He said, “Operation Whirlwind remains committed to combating petroleum smuggling and other forms of illegal trade, protecting the national economy and safeguarding public safety.

“The six-week enforcement drive was part of continuing efforts to disrupt the activities of smuggling networks and prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products out of the country.”

Aliyu warned that the smuggling and diversion of petroleum products could undermine efforts to maintain adequate domestic supplies, particularly during periods of energy distribution challenges.

He stressed that petroleum products intended for the Nigerian market should not be illegally diverted across the country’s borders, noting that such activities could have adverse economic implications.

“We will continue to pursue suspected smugglers in accordance with the law, with the aim of dismantling their networks and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests,” he said.