NCS Seizes N63m Worth PMS

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its anti-smuggling operations in Nigeria’s northeastern corridor, intercepting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and vehicles with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N63 million.
This success was recorded through Operation Whirlwind, a targeted enforcement drive against the smuggling of PMS outside Nigeria.
Disclosing the seizure in a statement at the Customs House in Yola, the Adamawa State Capital, last Friday, the National Coordinator of the operation, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG), Hussein Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the outcome as a clear result of intelligence-led and coordinated enforcement within Zone ‘D’.
He disclosed that 1,959 jerry cans, amounting to nearly 49,000 litres of PMS, were intercepted along with five vehicles used in their conveyance.
The seizures were made along well-known smuggling routes, including Dasin-Fufore, Belel-Farang, Mubi-Sahuda, Maiha, and Girei-Wuro Bokki.
“Smugglers fled upon sighting Customs operatives, abandoning their illicit consignments in their desperate bid to evade arrest”, ACG Ejibunu said.
He added that the operation aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic protection goals under the guidance of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
He emphasised that dismantling illegal fuel supply chains curbs scarcity, stabilises market prices, and strengthens national security.
“This is our contribution to safeguarding national resources and fostering economic resilience”, he said.
In line with Section 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the flammable petroleum products will be auctioned immediately, and the proceeds will be paid into the Federation Account.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos