NCS seizes N125m worth of smuggled petrol in largest bust in recent times

About 125, 000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), valued at about 125 million, have been seized in Kebbi State by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) agents in a significant blow to fuel smugglers.

According to Persecondnews, this massive seizure, which was carried out as part of “Operation Whirlwind,” is the largest fuel bust since the initiative’s inception.

Fuel smuggling poses a significant economic threat, according to ACG Hissaini Ejibunu, the national coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, on Tuesday, contributing to revenue losses, artificial scarcity, and security risks.

According to Ejibunu, “We are committed to dismantling these smuggling networks,” “Fuel smuggling is a major economic threat.”

4 375 jerrycans, each 25 litre, and 54 200 litre drums, each contained the confiscated fuel.

Prior to being intercepted in Tsamiya, officers had been watching the trucks being loaded with the fuel. They were registered in the Republic of Benin.

The collaboration between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was credited with the operation’s success.

The officers’ vigilance was commended by Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, who also thanked Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, the country’s top economic crime advisor, for his leadership.

Adeniyi urged Nigerians to report suspicious activity in support of Customs’ anti-smuggling efforts.

“This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration. We are still holding economic saboteurs accountable and destroying smuggling networks, Adeniyi said.

Source: Per Second News