Customs Operation Whirlwind Team ‘A’ Impounds 21,810 Litres of PMS, Tanker, Bunkers

Customs Operation Whirlwind Team ‘A’ Impounds 21,810 Litres of PMS, Tanker, Bunkers

The Nigeria Customs Service Special Team codenamed “Operation Whirlwind,” which is tasked with ending the smuggling of petroleum products outside Nigeria, has intercepted 21,810 litres of Premium Motor Spirit within the Zone ‘A’ axis along the Seme Badagry road.

The National Coordinator, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, during a press briefing at Seme Area Command on Monday, 24 June 2024, revealed that the operation was successfully carried out based on credible intelligence.

“The operation Whirlwind Teams’ effort geared towards curtailing the menace of illegal smuggling of PMS product in Zone ‘A’ axis resulted in the interception of 21 810 Litres of PMS product.
The devastating effects of smuggling are numerous as it causes distortion in the supply chain of Petroleum products to designated states and filling stations as revealed based on credible intelligence,” he said.

Comptroller Ejibunu stated that the unwholesome practice often contributes tremendously to insecurity “as diverted Petroleum products were found to be used by bandits and other notorious groups undermining the internal sovereignty of our nation.”

Among the items seized are 43 kegs of PMS, 30 Litres each equivalent to 1,290 Litres and one mark truck/ tanker with chassis no: IMIAD3840TW003697 Containing 15,200 Litres of PMS at Jubau Filling Station along Seme Badagry road. A means of conveyance, one Suzuki salon with Reg no: SMK 83 Bk, on 14 June 2024.

Others include: One Pathfinder Jeep with Reg no: ABJ591DC and one Toyota Avensis with Reg no: 1973 with both specially built bunkers loaded with PMS at Muse filling station dated 18th June 2024; 124 kegs of PMS 30 Litres each equivalent to 3,720 Litres; 65 kegs of PMS of 40 Litres each equivalent to 2,600 Litres. In total, 189 kegs of PMS were intercepted at TIMI BOY GLOBAL VENTURE dated 19th June 2024.

Speaking on the effect of petrol smuggling, Ejibunu said, “The smuggling of PMS has 2 dangerous effects: economic and security. So, we want to cut the supply chain by all means possible.”

He called on well-meaning Nigerians to provide timely information, as the battle against smuggling of petrol requires the concerted effort of all and sundry.