The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has auctioned seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, in Yola, Adamawa State.
This was disclosed by the NCS Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a press briefing in the North-East. Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Controller General Olaniyi Olajugun, announced the “immediate auction of the seized products at two petrol stations in Yola, at a rate of ₦630 per litre.”
He emphasized that the seizures highlight the ongoing challenge of fuel smuggling and the need for continued vigilance and decisive action.
Adeniyi revealed that the NCS’s Operation Whirlwind had made significant strides in combating fuel smuggling, seizing two trucks, 1,046 kegs of PMS, and 12 drums of petroleum products.
“Our ongoing operations have achieved major seizures in various regions, including the North-West borders around Sokoto and Kebbi, the South-West borders in the Seme-Badagry and Idiroko axis, as well as the southern borders in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states,” Adeniyi said.
He added, “In this recent phase of Operation Whirlwind, we have seized two trucks transporting smuggled petroleum products, 1,046 kegs of PMS, and 12 drums of petroleum products. One suspect has also been apprehended in connection with these activities.”
The customs chief issued a strong warning to those involved in smuggling, stating that “the full force of the law will be applied to anyone caught smuggling the nation’s resources.”
Adeniyi called on Nigerians, particularly those in Adamawa and other border states, to support the operation, emphasizing that public cooperation is vital in protecting national resources and ensuring that the benefits of fuel price deregulation reach all citizens.