The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone D, has disclosed that its officials intercepted 17,580 litres of premium motor spirit valued at N12.7m between April and May 2024.
The Customs Area Comptroller in charge of the command, Odaudu Salefu, explained in a statement that the petroleum products were seized at the Mubi and Yola axis of Adamawa State.
He attributed the success to robust information gathering and credible intelligence sharing by other customs units, including, the Customs Intelligence Unit and customs police, as well as the resilience of the officers of the unit.
Giving a breakdown of the seized items, Salefu said they included 678 jerrycans of PMS and two drums of PMS.
He said, “I am glad to inform you that the unit’s concerted efforts in suppressing smuggling activities have continued to yield good results. The operatives of the unit, apart from blocking and suppressing smuggling within the zone, have made seizures of the following: 678 Jerry cans of PMS, two drums of PMS (2× 250 litres) totalling 17,580 litres, with a DPV (duty paid value) of N12,750,422.40. The cumulative duty paid value, including the means of conveyance, amounted to N14. 2m.
“It is pertinent to note that the seizures showcased here today were achieved as a result of robust information gathering and credible intelligence sharing by other customs units, including the Customs Intelligence Unit, customs police and resilient patrol of FOU Zone D.
“Our operatives’ actions are by all extant laws as enshrined in the NCS Act 2023 as amended, particularly sections 245 (provision as to detention, seizure and condemnation of goods) and sections 226 (power to patrol free).”
Salefu warned that the unit would continue to suppress smuggling activities, urging patriotic Nigerians to come forward with credible information that could assist the service in tackling the menace of smuggling.
“Smugglers are unscrupulous individuals who are determined to cripple our nation’s economy,” he noted.
FOU Zone D, with headquarters in Bauchi, comprises nine states: Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa.
The unit is saddled with the responsibility of enforcing customs laws, implementing government fiscal policies, and suppressing smuggling within the zone.
SOURCE: PUNCHNG
