Customs seize N39m petrol from smugglers in Lagos, Ogun

The Nigeria Customs Service, through its special operation codenamed Operation Whirlwind Strikes Smugglers, has seized Premium Motor Spirit known as petrol and vehicles valued at over ₦63 million.

According to the service, the petrol was intercepted along the Lagos-Ogun axis.

In a press statement released on Sunday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General, Hussein Ejibunu, described the seizure as a major success in the ongoing fight against economic sabotage.

“There is no safe haven for smugglers or economic saboteurs. We will continue to disrupt their activities and reduce them to the barest minimum,” he declared.

According to ACG Ejibunu, operatives intercepted 1,577 jerrycans of 25 litres each, totalling 39,425 litres of PMS, along with eight vehicles used for transportation.

He added that the seizures occurred in key smuggling hotspots including Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete.

“Investigations revealed the products were bound for illegal export across the border to Benin Republic.

“The fuel has a duty-paid value of ₦39,425,000, while the vehicles are valued at ₦24,000,000, bringing the total to ₦63,425,000.

“It may interest you to know that in just one year, significant milestones have been achieved across all zones. This is due to the commitment, discipline, and resilience of the operatives,” he said.

PUNCH