*Warns smugglers to desist or face wrath of Law
By; TINA PHINEAS, Yola
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has decried the diversion of over 280,135 litres of PMS valued at about N197 million, which constitutes national economic sabotage with implications on National Security of the country.
According to him, the huge evacuation of petroleum products in the country into neighbouring countries must be stopped and the activities of the smuggling rings must be dismantles and the perpetrators apprehended and brought to book.
Adeniyi made this known during a press conference on the ongoing efforts of Nigeria Customs service Operation Whirlwind in Yola, the Adamawa State capital
Adewale lamented that just between April and May 2024, Borno and Kebbi States recorded 76% and 59% increases in evacuations PMS, ranking among the top three states in the country on a year-on-year basis (May 2023 and May 2024)
The CG stated further that Sokoto and Taraba States recorded the most substantial increases in evacuations, with 247% and 234% increases, respectively while border states like Katsina and Kebbi recorded more than 50% increases in evacuation.
He said, there are abounding evidence of discrepancies in evacuation patterns especially in states at the border region between Nigeria and other neighbouring countries that has raised red flags which the service has tracked and gathered sufficient evidence and credible intelligence to suggest an unusual upscale of the movement of PMS suggestive of smuggling activities.
“In response to the alarming increase in fuel smuggling, the NCS in close collaboration with the NSA initiated Operation Whirlwind aimed at, “Ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the full benefits of fuel price deregulation in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed 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.
“And to rise awareness of the local communities and solicit their support to achieve these objectives.” He stated.
Adeniyi maintained that NCS guided by strong intelligence and empowered by the new Customs Act 2023, “Targets illegal exportation, particularly of petroleum products, ensuring their availability within the country and conserving government resources.”
“Federal Operating Units and Marine Commands have intercepted a total of 129,185 litres of fuel valued at N 90,558,685. Notably, 54.48% of these seizures occurred in the North-West region, including states such as Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto, while 23.87% of the seizures were recorded in the NorthEastern part of the country, particularly in states like Taraba and Adamawa. It is worth noting that these states have also seen a significant increase in fuel evacuation as reported by the NMDPRA.
“A combine diversion of 280,135 litres of PMS N196,524,075.50 raises serious economic concerns with broader implications on National Security.
“The quantum of this diversion is equivalent to the more than 84% of the daily evacuation of PMS to states like Ekiti and Jigawa.
“It also represents around 32.57% of the daily evacuation to the border states of Borno and Katsina according to the data on average daily evacuation obtained from NMDPRA.
“These activities, if left unchecked, could further deteriorate the country’s economic situation and exacerbate current foreign exchange challenges.”
Outlining the success of the operation he said, “In the past Two (2) weeks we have received credible intelligence on the relative stability of the price of PMS around border states, this is easily attributed to disruptions in the operations of smugglers.
“Within seven days of intensive operations, a total of 150,950 litres of PMS, valued at N 105,965,391, have been intercepted at various locations nationwide.
“The seizures on Friday 31 May 2024. A total of 45,000 litres of PMS in a tanker was seized at Mova, Adamawa.
“On Saturday 1 June 2024. A total of 45,000 litres of PMS in a tanker was seized at Mubi, Adamawa.
“On Monday 3 June 2024. A total of 2,375 litres of PMS in 95 25-liter jerrycans were seized at Mubi, Adamawa State.
“On Wednesday 5 June 2024, a total of 4,450 litres of PMS in 178 25-liter jerrycans were seized in 3 different locations, including Song-Wuroboki, Mubi-Sahuda road and Gidan Madara – Sahuda road all in Adamawa state
“On Thursday 6 June 2024, a total of 20,030 litres of PMS in 25 and 30 litre Jerrycans were sized in various locations across the country including Maiha, Adamawa State, Illela, Sokoto and Agbaragba creek in Mfum border of Cross River State.
“On Friday 7 June 2024. A total of 32,900 litres of PMS were seized at border locations in the North-east and South-west axis of the country. A total of 17,500 litres was recoded in Mubi Adamawa state, while 15,400 litres was recorded around ImekoObada Road in 616 25 Jerrycans.
“On Saturday 8 June 2024. A total of 8,525 litres of PMS were also seized in 2 separate locations in Owode (Owode-Ilaro road and Owode-Atan road) in Ogun state. ”
He notes that in order to address these issue the NCS is working with other relevant agencies in the country towards addressing the issue of sharing of critical data among agencies, Monitoring of movement of PMS which would involve the deployment of technology and the automation of tracking of tankers by independent marketers across the country, and that it would work to ensure a clampdown on the proliferation PMS retail outlets along border towns in the country
Adeniyi however, issued a stern warning to all those engaging in smuggling activities to desist from it or face the full wrath of the law.
