The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 38,700 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, allegedly being smuggled out of the country through border routes in Adamawa State.
The seized petrol, contained in 1,548 25-litre jerrycans, and a vehicle allegedly used to convey it have a combined duty-paid value of N63.115 million.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, disclosed this at a press conference in Yola on Wednesday.
He said the seizures followed intelligence-driven operations conducted by Customs operatives at major smuggling flashpoints in Zone D over the past six weeks.
According to him, the operations were carried out along the Malabu-Belel, Girei-Wuro Bokki, Gurin-Fufore, Wuro Alhaji-Maiha and Mubi-Sahuda axes.
Aliyu said the operations were part of efforts by Operation Whirlwind to curb smuggling and illegal trade, protect the national economy and safeguard public safety.
He said the seized petrol would be auctioned to the public because of its inflammable nature.
Aliyu warned that the smuggling and diversion of petroleum products could undermine efforts to maintain adequate domestic supply, particularly during periods of distribution challenges.
He stressed that petroleum products meant for the Nigerian market should not be illegally diverted across the country’s borders, noting that such activities could adversely affect the economy.
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