In a major crackdown on petroleum Smugglers in just three weeks, the Nigeria Customs Service Operation Whirlwind team has seized 613 jerrycans of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N27.5 million in the Lagos-Ogun axis.
This was disclosed in a press briefing by the Cordinator, Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu at the Customs Training College Ikeja Lagos on Saturday December 21, 2024.
According to Ejibunu,an Assistant Comptroller General of Customs,the seized petrol which translates to 15,325 liters, were intercepted by operatives under the command of AC MI Bello and the latest seizure brings the total value of confiscated petrol to a staggering amount, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the customs service to combat smuggling and economic sabotage.
He also said that since its inception on 27th May, 2024, the operation has yielded positive results, with the CGC urging operatives to sustain the tempo as operation is part of the customs service’s ongoing efforts to stamp out economic sabotage and smuggling.
Ejibunu announced that In a bid to ease transportation hardships during the festive period, the Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, has directed that the seized petrol be auctioned to the general public at N10,000 per 25 liters as the customs service has finalized all legal processes, including a court condemnation order thereby paving the way for the auction of the seized product.
” The operatives under the team commander AC MI BELLO made a seizure of another six hundred and thirteen (613) Jerrycans of Petroleum Motor Sprit (PMS) across Lagos/Ogun axis, which translated to fifteen thousand three hundred and twenty-five (15,325) litres of PMS with duty paid value (DPV) of Twenty-seven million five hundred and sixty-five thousand naira only N27,565,000. A court condemnation order and all legal processes have been finalised by the office of the Legal Adviser.
” On this note, the CGC has directed for auctions of the seized product to members of the general public at the auction price of ten thousand N10,000 per
25 Liters, as this will ease the transportation hardship during this festive period”