The operation whirlwind of the Nigerian customs service zone D axis, has intercepted and seized 1,548 Jerry cans (38,000 litres) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) being smuggled out to neighbouring countries.
Speaking at a press conference in Yola, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the national coordinator of operations whirlwind, Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, said the impounded items have an aggregate duty value of N63,115,000.
He attributed the successes of the operations that led to this seizure to intelligence driven operations spanning over the six weeks across key smuggling flashpoints including Malabu-Belel, Wurrojobe Bokki, Gurin-Fufore, Mubi- Sahuda axis in Adamawa state.
The Comptroller General warned smugglers and other economic saboteurs to turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate business as they would not relent in their efforts to bring smuggling cartels to their knees within the confines of the law.
According to him, smuggling and diverting fuel especially during a period of national energy distribution challenges inflict severe economic harm and poses severe safety hazards to border communities.
He commended the personnel of operations whirlwind, the National security adviser, the NMDPRA and other sister agencies for their dedication, technical support and steadfast leadership, while calling for the support of the citizens at all times.
Also speaking, the customs Comptroller Adamawa/ Taraba command, Mohammed Aminu Tako, saud the CG’s visit reflects the importance attached to their collective efforts to combating the smuggling of petroleum products and other illicits activities along the border communities.
He reiterated the commitments of the command to supporting operation whirlwind in achieving its objectives through intelligence sharing and system enforcement operations.
