Customs Intercepts N14.4 Million Worth of Smuggled Petrol

The Nigeria Customs Service has successfully seized 14,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with an estimated value of N14.4 million amid a nationwide increase in petrol prices.

The Special Task Force, known as Operation Whirlwind, executed the interception and confiscation of the illegal petrol shipment.

The smuggled PMS was captured in Calabar, Cross River State, as it was being transported towards Cameroon. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of this seized petrol is calculated at N14,375,000.

Deputy Comptroller Lucky Aliyu made this announcement in an official statement, highlighting that this recent operation has unveiled a significant smuggling network engaging in unlawful cross-border transportation of PMS.

He elaborated that within the past three weeks, the team has successfully dismantled operations involving a total of 235 jerry-cans, each containing 25 litres, alongside 40 drums, each holding 200 litres of PMS, collectively totaling the aforementioned volume of 14,375 litres.

The overall duty paid value of the seized petroleum products amounts to N14,375,000, which represents potential revenue that would have been lost to the federal government.

“My team diligently tracked down the kegs of 25 litres of PMS by employing continuous surveillance and executing strategic interventions in identified hotspots along the Ikang, Bakasi, Ikom, and Ikot Idareka routes,” Aliyu stated.

He stressed, “It is important to clarify that petroleum smuggling has real victims. It harms our nation's economy, robs the government of essential revenue, manipulates the local supply chain, and fosters artificial shortages that adversely affect ordinary Nigerians.”

“Moreover, smuggling supports criminal organizations that pose threats to our national security and economic stability,” he added.

Furthermore, Aliyu clarified that the seized 14,375 litres of PMS would be disposed of through public auctions, adhering to legal regulations and principles of transparency and accountability.