From Eugene Agha Lagos
The Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service on Tuesday announced the seizure of about N14 million worth of petrol from suspected smugglers operating in the South-West region in the last one month.
It said the seizure was made possible through intelligence gathering and strategic surveillance.
The smuggled petrol was concealed in 595 plastic jerry cans, attempting to evade customs checks.
The National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Lucky Aliyu, who made this disclosure while showcasing the seizure, in Lagos on Tuesday, disclosed that the service has intensified its efforts to curb smuggling and protect the nation’s economy in the last four weeks.
The National Coordinator revealed that the seizure is a significant milestone in the service’s ongoing campaign against smuggling and other illegal activities.
“During this operation, a total of 595 jerry-cans of 25 litres each were intercepted, amounting to 14,875 litres. These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized products stands at N14.9 million only.
“The Seized PMS Products up for auction today were seized through dedicated enforcement operations and reliable intelligence. They had been earmarked for illegal export to neighboring countries in direct contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products.
“It is pertinent to re-emphasize that petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime. It undermines the national economy, deprives the government of vital revenue, disrupts the domestic supply chain, and creates artificial scarcity that negatively impacts citizens. Furthermore, it fuels criminal networks that threaten national security and economic stability.
“In line with legal provisions and our commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized PMS is being disposed of through this public auction. This ensures that the products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than being diverted into illegal channels.
“This auction is being carried out with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to guarantee transparency, accountability, and integrity, in the disposal process” he added.
Acknowledging the strategic leadership of the Office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Aliyu said the NSA’s direction has bolstered inter-agency coordination and improved operational efficiency.
“We also applaud the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its technical proficiency and regulatory oversight, which help ensure that enforcement measures adhere to best practices while effectively addressing weaknesses in the distribution network.”