By Sandra Chukwunyere

In a major crackdown on petrol smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 1,577 jerrycans of petrol worth N63.4 million in the Southwest region.

The seizure was made possible through the NCS’s Operation Whirlwind, a targeted enforcement drive against the smuggling of petroleum products.

The Comptroller-General of Customs(CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this while showcasing some seized PMS products at the Customs Training College, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja Lagos, on Friday. Adeniyi vowed that the service would nip smuggling of petrol products in the bud.

CGC Adeniyi who was represented by Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, provided details on the seizures.

According to Adeniyi, the seizures were made in several locations, including Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete. Investigations revealed that the petrol was intended for smuggling to Benin Republic.

“The duty paid value of the product stands at N39.425 million, while the value of the means of conveyance stands at N24 million.

“A total of four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure. Two of the suspects are currently in court, while the other two are undergoing investigation to determine their level of involvement in the crime. Adeniyi assured that the NCS would continue to work tirelessly to prevent smuggling and protect the nation’s economy.

The Customs boss has directed that the seized petrol be auctioned immediately to Nigerian citizens at a price of N10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan. This move is aimed at making the product available to those who need it while also preventing it from falling into the wrong hands.To further prevent petrol smuggling, the NCS has announced plans to profile fuel stations operating around border communities. This move is aimed at identifying fuel stations that are used for smuggling and bringing them to book.

Adeniyi noted that fuel stations found wanting would be submitted to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for necessary actions.

In his speech, Patrick Musa, Assistant Director at the Lagos Southwest Regional Office of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) commended the NCS for its efforts in intercepting the petrol products. He stated that the interception of the products has reduced the fuel supply to criminal elements and lauded the Operation Whirlwind for its efforts.

“The NCS’s crackdown on petrol smuggling is a welcome development in the fight against economic sabotage.

The service’s efforts to prevent smuggling and protect the nation’s economy are commendable. It is expected that the NCS will continue to work tirelessly to prevent smuggling and ensure that the nation’s economy is protected,he said.

The event was witnessed by representatives from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Zonal Coordinator Zone A of Customs, Assistant Comptroller General, ACG Charles Orbih, as well as the Customs Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Compt Mohammed Shuaibu.