Intercepts 66,600 Litres of PMS, Hands Over Tanker Laden With 45,000 Litres to NMDPRA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Operation Whirlwind has extended its tentacles to Kebbi State intercepting not less than 21,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol.
In the same vein, a tanker conveying not less than 45,000 litres of PMS was also intercepted by officers and men of the NCS under the auspices of Operation Whirlwind.
Kebbi State and its environs are under the auspices of Zone B in the NCS formations across the country.
The seizure in Kebbi State and its axis is coming on the heels of Operation Whirlwind earlier interceptions in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos and the Cross River State capital, Calabar.
The National Co-ordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Lucky Aliyu who disclosed this to newsmen in the Kebbi State capital, Kebbi recently.
According to him, the tanker with registration number KLG 165 XA has been handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further regulatory action.
He also revealed that the tanker was intercepted along Jega Road, Kebbi State while conveying PMS that was originally meant for distribution in Katsina State as indicated in the NMDPRA Daily Truck Manifest.
His words: “Its presence along Jega Road clearly indicates a case of illegal diversion of petroleum products, an act that undermines the nation’s economic stability and government regulatory framework. This brings the total volume of seized PMS to Twenty-One Thousand, Six Hundred (21,600) litres. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized petroleum products is estimated at Twenty-One Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira Only (₦21,600,000).
“Transparency remains a key pillar of our operations. The auction exercise taking place today demonstrates our unwavering commitment to accountability, due process, and responsible management of seized petroleum products.”
The Customs Chief warned that all participants involved in this auction are expected to strictly adhere to the procedures and guidelines governing the exercise to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with extant regulations.
According to him, this successful interception is not only a victory for the NCS but also a clear testament to the effectiveness of its collaborative partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and NMDPRA.
Aliu expressed dismay that smuggling of petroleum products remains a significant challenge, often driven by economic disparities and the lure of quick illicit profits.
The Operation Whirlwind National Co-ordinator however assured Nigerians that the NCS under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his entire management team, remains resolute in its mission to dismantle smuggling networks and bring economic saboteurs to justice no matter what it takes.
He praised the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind for their bravery, vigilance, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“Your dedication continues to inspire confidence in our collective ability to protect Nigeria’s economic sovereignty,” he declared.
According to him, as they proceed with this auction exercise, Nigerians should be assured that Operation Whirlwind will continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement activities across all operational zones and axis to curb the smuggling and diversion of petroleum products.
The Customs Chief enjoined members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the efforts of Operation Whirlwind by reporting any suspicious activities related to petroleum products smuggling or diversion to the nearest NCS formation across the country.
He reiterated his team unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the benefits of government policies reach every Nigerian.
According to him, the NCS will continue to adapt and innovate in its fight against smuggling by leveraging technology, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration to stay ahead of criminal elements. Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.
