The Operation Whirlwind unit of Nigeria Customs Service has recorded another success in its war against petroleum smuggling by intercepting 1,577 jerrycans of premium motor spirit (PMS) totaling 39,425 liters, with a duty-paid value of N39,425,000.
The impounded petroleum products intended for smuggling to Benin Republic, was confiscated across various flashpoints in Lagos and Ogun States, namely Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete.
Making this known in a press briefing on Friday, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, noted that eight vehicles used for conveying the PMS were also seized, with a duty-paid value of N24 million. The cumulative value of the seized goods was given ad N63,425,000.
Represented by the National coordinator, Operation Whirlwind of NCS, ACG Kehinde Hussein Ejibunu,
CGC Adeniyi,
emphasized that there will be no safe haven for smugglers and economic saboteurs, as the Service continues to disrupt their activities.
Ejibunu informed that the CGC has given order that the seized PMS should be auctioned to Nigerians at N10,000 per 25-liter of jerry can.
ACG Hussein Ejibunu attributed the success of the clamp down on petroleum smuggling to the collaboration with strategic partners, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, Office of the Attorney General, and NMDPRA officials.