The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully intercepted smuggled Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at an estimated N86.5 million in a major operation spanning two months. The operation was conducted along the Nigeria-Cameroon border within Adamawa and Taraba states.
Speaking during a press briefing in Yola, the national coordinator of Customs’ “Operation Whirlwind,” Mr. H.K. Ejibunu, detailed the achievements of the team. He revealed that 14 fuel tankers loaded with PMS intended for diversion and smuggling were seized during the operation.
“Out of the 14 fuel tankers intercepted, 13 were handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Yola, Adamawa, while one was transferred to NMDPRA in Taraba State for further inter-agency collaboration,” Ejibunu explained.
The operation also led to the confiscation of five vehicles and two motorcycles used for smuggling activities. Additionally, a suspect linked to the illegal activities was apprehended and is currently facing legal prosecution.
Ejibunu highlighted that these efforts have helped stabilize the supply of PMS in the region, reducing scarcity and preventing price hikes. “It will interest you to know that the team equally arrested a suspect in connection to smuggling activities, and he is currently facing prosecution,” he stated.
He further noted that, in accordance with the NCS Act of 2023, the recovered fuel would be auctioned to mitigate the risks associated with its inflammable nature.
