Nigeria’s Customs Service has announced the seizure of 280,135 litres of petrol (PMS) valued at N115 million.
The products which were in gallons were seized in the West African nation during a seven-day operation, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this to reporters at a news conference on Monday in Yola, Adamawa.
This feat, Bashir Adeniyi said, was achieved through intensive operations by Operation Whirlwind which seized 105,950 litres while the Federal Operating Units and Marine Commands seized 120,185 litres respectively.
According to him, smuggling is a sabotage to the Nigerian economy, hence, the need for cooperation of security agencies and individuals to curb the menace.
“These activities, if left unchecked, could further deteriorate the country’s economic situation and exacerbate current foreign exchange challenges.
“The influx of unaccounted foreign currency could be channeled into funding illegitimate activities, including the support of non-state actors engaged in criminal activities against the Nigerian state.
“These issues have serious implications for national security, making it imperative to check, curtail and dismantle. Achieving this requires the cooperation and collaboration of patriotic agencies,” he said as carried by News Agency of Nigeria.
Mr Adeniyi said that Operation Whirlwind of the Customs Area Commands remained vigilant against illicit activities of smugglers targeting petroleum products.
The Customs boss said the nationwide operation was aimed at ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the full benefits of fuel price deregulation in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.
“Defend the national currency and reduce pressures that may be attributed to the activities of smugglers.
“Identify, dismantle and disrupt cartels of smugglers operating within the ecosystem. Raise awareness of the local communities and solicit their support to achieve these objectives,” he said.
Also speaking, Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution System, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure (DSSRI) of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), lauded the personnel over the development.
While describing cross border diversion of petrol as economic sabotage, Ukoha reiterated the commitment of the Service to collaborate with security agencies to end smuggling in the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com