Olusegun Ariyo
The Nigeria Customs Service has auctioned Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, seized by its operatives in Yola, Adamawa State.
Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi made this known at a press briefing in the North-Eastern state.
Adeniyi, who was represented by Deputy Controller General Olaniyi Olajugun, announced the immediate auction of the seized products at two petrol stations in Yola at the rate of N630 per litre.
The Customs boss said the seizures underscore the persistent nature of the challenge and the necessity of continued vigilance and action.
He added that Operation Whirlwind of Nigeria Customs recorded significant success in its fight against fuel smuggling
“Our ongoing operations have recorded substantial seizures in various locations, including the North-West borders in the Sokoto-Kebbi axis, the South-West borders around the Seme-Badagry and Idiroko axis, and the southern borders in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states,” he said.
“I am pleased to announce that in this latest phase of Operation Whirlwind, we have seized two lorries carrying smuggled petroleum products, 1,046 kegs filled with PMS, and 12 drums of petroleum products. Additionally, one suspect has been apprehended in connection with these smuggling activities.”
He warned those engaged in illicit activities, saying the full force of the law will be brought to bear on anyone caught smuggling our nation’s resources, urging all Nigerians, particularly residents of Adamawa and other border states, to support the operation.
“Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in our collective efforts to safeguard our nation’s resources and ensure that the benefits of fuel price deregulation are fully realised by all Nigerians,” he added.
