The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling efforts, intercepting 125,000 litres of petroleum products worth N125 million at the Tsamiya border area of Kebbi State. The massive seizure, which took place under Operation Whirlwind, involved three trucks bearing Benin Republic registration numbers and was made possible through coordinated intelligence efforts and surveillance by the Kebbi Area Command.
Assistant Controller Husseini Ejibunu, the national coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, described the interception as the most significant single seizure since the operation began.
“This is the largest seizure of petroleum products recorded in a single operation under Operation Whirlwind. The total seizure amounts to 125,000 litres, with an estimated duty-paid value of N125 million,” Ejibunu stated.
He further detailed the intercepted vehicles and their contents:
– Truck 1 (BC-W7184RB): Laden with jerry cans containing 25 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) each, along with 18 drums of 200 litres.
– Truck 2 (AT-2457RB): Contained 1,454 jerry cans of 25 litres each, along with several 200-litre drums of PMS.
– Truck 3 (BV-6240RB): Carried 1,350 jerry cans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres.
Ejibunu emphasized that the seizure was part of the agency’s commitment to curbing petroleum smuggling, which has become a major economic challenge for Nigeria, leading to fuel scarcity and financial losses.
The Controller of the Kebbi Command, Chukumeziri Nwokorie, reaffirmed the NCS’s determination to clamp down on illicit fuel exports and other smuggling activities that undermine the country’s economy.
**Ogun Customs Intercepts CFA 7 Million Illicit Currency**
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted CFA 7 million (equivalent to N17 million) in new currency notes being smuggled across the border. The interception occurred at the Idiroko border, where customs officers stationed at the outward baggage hall discovered the cash concealed in a bag destined for the Republic of Benin.
Area Controller Mohammed Shuaibu disclosed that the currency seizure was part of the agency’s broader efforts to curb illegal financial transactions across Nigeria’s borders.
“The smuggling of foreign currencies out of the country poses significant risks to the economy, and our officers remain vigilant against such illicit activities. This particular case involved CFA 7 million, which is equivalent to $11,000,” Shuaibu stated.
Following the interception, the seized cash was handed over to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). EFCC Lagos Zone 2’s Head of Investigation, Oguzi Moses, received the foreign currency on behalf of the agency, which is responsible for combating illicit financial flows in and out of Nigeria.
Shuaibu reiterated that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in tackling smuggling activities, whether they involve petroleum products, illicit cash movements, or contraband goods. He urged citizens to support the agency by providing credible information that could help curb these economic crimes.
These interceptions underscore the ongoing efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguard the country’s economic resources and maintain regulatory control over border transactions. As smuggling syndicates continue to develop sophisticated methods, the customs agency has vowed to remain one step ahead, deploying advanced surveillance and intelligence techniques to dismantle their operations.
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