Anti-smuggling: Operation Whirlwind Seizes 1,481 Kegs of PMS
COMPTROLLER eJIBUNU
By Francis Ugwoke
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of 1,481 kegs of PMS amounting to about 41, 425 litres of PMS together with nine means of conveyance.
This was announced by the National Coordinator of the Operation Whirlwind, at Customs House, Yola, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Ejibunu put the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) at N48,547,500,
He said that the interventions were made during different operations across Mubi-Sahuda road, Girei-Wuro Boki axis, Maiha road, Agwuwa Tana- Bakin Kogi axis and other places within the zone.
He said, “ It is worthy to note that in collaboration with NMDPRA our operatives monitor the supply and distribution chain right from the depot of loading up to the final destination (Retail Outlets) to ensure PMS reach its manifested destinations”.
He added, “ In line with the CGC’s mandate to curtail the smuggling and diversion of the PMS products, operation whirlwind had repositioned all its operatives across the frontiers despite all threats such as assault and harassment from the economic saboteurs as
seen and witnessed in some social platforms. This will not hinder us from discharging our statutory duties. We will not relent in this fight until we bring smuggling activities to hold.
“ To the patriotic Nigerians and the genuine oil Marketers, I want to bring to your notice that this fight is against the illicit oil marketers and the economic saboteurs as the team is out to facilitate legitimate trade as enshrined in the NCS Act, 2023. All legitimate oil marketers are encouraged to go out with their normal businesses without fear of molestation and confiscation of their products.
“ The successes recorded so far is predicated on the enabling environment and the unwavering efforts of the Management of Nigeria Customs Service under the stewardship of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. The cooperation and strong support from Adamawa/Taraba Area Command and other units of the service such as FOU ‘D’, CIU, SIS alongside other security agencies equally played a vital role in this accomplishments”.
He warned all smugglers of petroleum products to have a rethink and better go into legitimate businesses or face the wrath of the law.
He added, “ because we will continue to go after them as economic saboteurs, as there’s no place for their illegal activities. The illegal exportation of Nigeria’s PMS to our neighboring countries will not be tolerated by Nigeria customs Service”.
It would be recalled that the Unit had earlier showcased huge seizures petroleum products .
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