Smuggling Of Petroleum, A Significant Danger To Nigeria’s Economy- Customs CG
From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has charged the officers and Men of Operation Whirlwind unit of the Nigerian Customs to redouble their efforts to bring activities and menace of diehard smugglers to a standstill in Kebbi State Area Command.
The Comptroller General, who was represented at a press conference in Kebbi State Command premises Tuesday by the National Coordinator of the Operation, Assistant Comptroller General (ACGC), Husseini Ejibunu stated that smuggling poses significant danger to Nigeria Economy.
He expressed that such dangers including revenue loss, distortion of trade statistics, artificial scarcity of PMS, threat to national security as well as undermining government policies among others.
“Our recent intervention highlights the unwavering and tireless efforts, commitment of Officers and Men of Operation Whirlwind Team, the command Federal Operation Unit ‘B’ Officers, the strength of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring the security of our borders and the preservation of our national economy.
“It is pertinent to note that this is the first time a seizure of this magnitude has been made in a single operation. It is a single largest seizure made since the beginning of operation, Whirlwind.” He said.
The Comptroller General also said that during a strategic operation based on credible intelligence conducted at Tsamiya in conjunction with the Kebbi Area Command, intercepted three Scania Trucks with registration numbers BC7184RB, (Republic of Benin) with 766 Jerry cans of 25 litres of petrol and drums of 200 litres each of petrol.
AT 2457RB (Republic of Benin) with 1,454 Jerry cans of 25 litres of PMS and 18 drums of 200 litres each of pms, BV 6240RB (Republic of Benin) with 1,350 Jerry cans of 25 litres of PMS and 18 drums 200 litres each of PMS.
He pointed out that the grand total of all seized PMS in jerry cans among to 4,375 litres at 25 litres each, while the 54 drums amount to 10,800 at about 200 per drum. Adding that total seizure in litres amount to 125,000, with its street value standing at N125 million.
