The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has confiscated 1,577 jerry cans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, generally often called petrol, valued at N39.4 million.
Assistant Comptroller Basic of Customs and Nationwide Coordinator of the Unit, Hussaine Ejibunu, made this disclosure whereas addressing journalists on Friday in Lagos.
Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller Basic of Customs, revealed that the seizure was made throughout a number of border flashpoints, together with Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete.
He mentioned investigations confirmed that the gas was meant for unlawful export to neighboring international locations. He reiterated the Service’s dedication to combating smuggling, stressing that there could be no secure haven or hiding place for smugglers and financial saboteurs.
Based on him, the confiscated PMS, totaling 39,425 liters (every jerry can containing 25 liters), was intercepted together with eight automobiles utilized in transporting the gas.
He added that the duty-paid worth of the petrol was estimated at N39.4 million, whereas the automobiles had been valued at N24 million — bringing the overall price of the seized property to N63.4 million.
Ejibunu additional mentioned that below the directive of Comptroller Basic Adewale Adeniyi, the seized gas shall be auctioned instantly, lauding key stakeholders who supported the operation.
“I wish to specific our appreciation to our strategic companions — the Workplace of the Legal professional Basic and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Lagos Zonal Workplace — for his or her unwavering help. This success wouldn’t have been attainable with out their collaboration,” he mentioned.