The Nigeria Customs Service Special Operations team has intercepted 26,950 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) smuggling out of the country through Ogun state. 

This was disclosed by the National Coordinator Special Operations, “Operation Whirlwind”, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, during a press conference held at Ogun II Area Command Abeokuta on Thursday, 13 June 2024.

Comptroller Ejibunu explained that the petroleum products, which consist of 978 kegs of 25 litres, totalling 26,950 litres, were impounded by the Operation Whirlwind team, zone ‘A’ axis, within two weeks of its operations. 

He said, "Recall, just two weeks ago, the Nigeria Customs Service, ably led by the CGC Adewale Adeniyi, in close collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), set up Operation Whirlwind Task Force team. This initiative was conceived to end the ever-growing monster of unwholesome illegal exportation of petroleum products.

"Competent and dedicated officers that make up the squad were drafted from various Customs formations and given the prerequisite training before being dispatched to the four Customs Zones (ABC&D). In about two weeks of operation, the Operation Whirlwind team, Zone ‘A’ axis, intercepted 26,950 litres of PMS worth N19 million."

According to him, the menace posed by smugglers on the Nigerian economy can not be overemphasised, "hence the need for synergy and cooperation with other patriotic Government Agencies in this fight.

"There is a huge distortion in the supply chain of petroleum products to designated states and filling stations due to diversion to neighbouring countries."

Details of the operation include 121 kegs of PMS of 25 litres each equivalent to 3025 litres at Oyinkansola Global concept along Badagry /Seme road in Lagos state, means of conveyance two cars on 31 May 2024; 77 drums of PMS (616 kegs of 25 litres each) equivalent to 15,400 litres at SEAYAB PETROLEUM along Imeko /Obada road in Ogun state. The means of conveyance is a truck with the Reg. No 95D4244D on Friday, 7 June, 2024.

Others are; 100 kegs of PMS at 25 litres each equivalent to 2500 liters at QUAWIYAN RESOURCE PETROLEUM NIG. LTD along Owode /Atan road in Ogun state. Means of conveyance: One Toyota Camry with Ch. No 4TIBE3KXU672540 on Saturday, 8 June 2024; 141 kegs of PMS at 25 litres each equivalent to 6025 litres at JULANKY OIL & GAS along Owode /Ilaro road in Ogun state. Means of conveyance 2 Toyota Avalon cars with Ch.NO. 4TIBE28B72U266597 and 4TIBF28B33U298190, on Saturday, 8 June, 2024.

Ejibunu warned perpetrators of the act to desist or have themselves to blame.