Customs seize 10,970 litres of petrol from smugglers

The Zone A Operation Whirlwind Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently foiled an attempt by smugglers to transport over 10,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Benin Republic.

The interception occurred on New Year’s Eve along the waterside in Badagry, Lagos.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs and Commander of Operation Whirlwind, Mahmood Bello, revealed that customs operatives had been conducting surveillance when they discovered 61 sacks and seven jerry cans of PMS concealed in a large canoe.

This marked a shift in smuggling techniques, as the use of sacks to transport PMS had not previously been observed in the unit’s operations.

Bello emphasized that the smugglers’ revival of this old method highlighted the evolving tactics used to evade authorities.

He also reiterated the customs service’s commitment to combating smuggling activities and ensuring border security.

This development underscores the NCS’s vigilance in curbing fuel smuggling, which undermines Nigeria’s economic stability and fuel distribution network.

He said: “Recall that the National Coordinator instructed our operatives to intensify efforts during the festive period to prevent smugglers from exploiting the season. On December 31, 2024, our team conducted surveillance along the Badagry waterside and intercepted 61 sacks and seven jerry cans of PMS, all loaded in a large canoe bound for the Benin Republic.

“Each sack contained 150 litres, translating to a total of 10,970 litres of PMS. The products were evacuated with reinforcement from the Nigerian military stationed at the Badagry Barracks. The operation was highly successful, with no casualties despite resistance from the smugglers.”

Bello added that due to the volatile nature of the seized product, the National Coordinator had ordered its auctioning. The interception highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Customs in curbing smuggling activities along Nigeria’s borders.