Nigeria Customs Seizes PMS Worth Over N63 Million In Adamawa/Taraba Borders

Hanny Henry

Nigeria Customs Service says it has seize smuggled goods with a duty-paid value exceeding N63 million during a five-week special anti-smuggling operation, Operation Whirlwind, in Zone D, Northeast Nigeria.

Addressing journalists at Customs House, Yola, Adamawa State Capital, the coordinator of operation whirlwind, Huseini Ejibunu, lauded the intelligence-driven and collaborative efforts of the operatives, which have curtailed smuggling activities across Adamawa State, particularly along unapproved border routes leading into Cameroon.

The seized items included 951 jerry cans filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)—an equivalent of 48,975 liters of fuel—believed to be destined for smuggling across the border.

Also intercepted were five vehicles used for transporting the illicit fuel.

“No suspect was apprehended during the operations as the smugglers abandoned the items and fled to avoid arrest,” the spokesperson said.

He emphasized that Operation Whirlwind aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic security mandates, aimed at strengthening energy availability and curbing fuel scarcity and price instability.

“This operation has improved fuel availability in Adamawa and contributed to price stability. We are committed to dismantling illicit supply chains and disrupting the operations of illegal oil marketers,” he added.

In accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the seized PMS will be auctioned immediately due to its inflammable nature, with proceeds to be remitted into the federation account.

The Customs also appealed to border community leaders and youth to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, while assuring legitimate marketers of unhindered business operations.

“We are not against legal trade. Our target remains economic saboteurs. Let this serve as a warning to those contemplating engaging in fuel smuggling,” the official warned.

The Customs Service commended the media for its continued support and urged journalists to remain proactive in publicizing the national fight against smuggling.