The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of 849 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), each containing 25 litres, along with two Mazda 626 vehicles used for transportation of the item.

The seizure is part of the anti-smuggling operation of the Customs aimed at curbing the smuggling of petroleum products, stabilising fuel prices and preventing artificial shortages within the country.

This was disclosed by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, during a press briefing at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, on Friday.

According to him, the seized items, with a duty-paid value of N30.225 million at the Nigerian National Petroleum Product Company Limited (NNPCL) retail price, marked the seventh operation by Operation Whirlwind in Zone A (southwest).

Ejibunu stated, “About five weeks ago, similar PMS products were displayed here at the college parade ground. Our operation has tightened the grip on smugglers, leaving no room for their illegal activities across the country.”

He highlighted the operation’s success in improving the availability of fuel at filling stations, adding that Customs will ensure all illegal PMS smuggling routes leading to neighbouring countries are permanently blocked.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to the National Security Adviser and the Comptroller-General of Customs for their continued support.