July 19, (THEWILL) – In a bold move to put a permanent end to the illicit practice of cross-border smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, the Nigeria Customs Service has upped the ante in its resolve to dismantle the network of cartels and smugglers.
The service recently launched a special operation codenamed Operation Whirlwind to break this cartel and guarantee energy security in Nigeria.
The operation, which is headed by the national coordinator, Comptroller HK Ejibunu, is jointly coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA and the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, in synergy with the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA.
Operation Whirlwind recently recorded a milestone in its Zone C axis comprising Cross River, Akwa Ibom and the FTZ Area, when it showcased to the general public its success in the area as it intercepted over 26,625 litres of PMS which was headed for a neighbouring country.
Speaking on the seizures in Calabar, Comptroller Ejibunu said, “Today, we have another seizure of 1,065 – one thousand and sixty-five kegs of PMS, containing 25 litres each which translate into 26,625 (twenty-six thousand six hundred and twenty-five) litres of PMS together with one mode of conveyance.
“With a total DPV of 40,054,125 (forty million fifty-four thousand one hundred and twenty-five naira only).
“These interceptions were made on different dates and locations across Agbalagba-Ikom, Akansoko Road, Ikom–Ogoja Road and other places within the zone.
“It is worthy to note that in collaboration with NMDPRA, our operative monitors the supply and distribution chain right from the depot of loading up to the final destination (Retail Outlets) to ensure PMS reach its manifested destinations”, he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Cross River/Akwa Ibom Area Command FOU Zone C and the Border Drill for their continuous support for the success of the operation despite the challenge of the area which is mostly ravine.
He also emphasised that the service will continue to go after the economic saboteurs of PMS as the illegal exportation of Nigeria’s PMS to neighbouring countries will not be tolerated.
Some week ago, the operation in a press conference granted by the CGC in Yola, Adamawa State Zone D, displayed a combined seizure of 280,135 litres of PMS worth over 195.5 million naira
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
