The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has seized 1,980 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly known as petrol, valued at N80.4 million, allegedly being smuggled into the Republic of Benin.
The seizure was made by Operation Whirlwind, a special task force of the NCS, within various flashpoints in Lagos and Ogun States over the past seven weeks.
According to Kola Oladeji, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Lagos, on Tuesday, said the operation was part of intensified efforts to curb the illegal export of petroleum products and other acts of economic sabotage while showcasing some of the seized contrabands to journalists in Ikeja.
“The operatives, acting on credible intelligence and in line with our renewed mandate, successfully intercepted a total of 1,980 jerrycans of premium motor spirit totalling 49,500 litres at various notorious smuggling flashpoints within the Ajilete Axis, Ijoun Axis, Haro Axis, Badagry Axis, Owode Idiroko Axis, Eree Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko Axis. The total duty-paid value of the intercepted petroleum products and the conveying vehicles is to the tune of N80.4m.
“The operatives, acting on credible intelligence, successfully intercepted a total of 1,980 jerrycans of PMS, equivalent to 49,500 litres, at different smuggling flashpoints across Lagos and Ogun States. The total duty-paid value of the seized petroleum products and the vehicles stands at N80.4 million,” Oladeji said.
He added that seven vehicles used in conveying the products were also impounded.
He also noted that during a perimeter sweep around the sealed premises, operatives apprehended a man for suspicious conduct. The suspect, he clarified, was not arrested inside the petrol station but outside the area during a broader security sweep.
“After eight hours in custody and upon proper representation by his lawyer, the suspect was granted administrative bail pending further investigation,” the ACG stated.
He pointed out that the seizures also serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of complex challenges.
“As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening our operational capacities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and promoting public awareness on the detrimental effects of smuggling and resource diversion. We call upon all well-meaning Nigerians to support our efforts by providing actionable information and fostering a culture of compliance with our laws and regulations,” he said.