CUSTOMS ORDERS SALE OF SMUGGLED PMS AT SUBSIDISED RATE IN YOLA

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The confiscated Petroleum Motor Spirit, or PMS, may now be sold to Yola citizens in Adamawa State at a reduced price with the proceeds going to the Federation Account, according to CGC Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs.

This comes after Operation Whirlwind agents recently seized petroleum items in the Adamawa-Taraba region, according to a statement from Customs PRO.

Comptroller Hussain Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, praised Adeniyi and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for their support, saying the plan will lessen the impact of subsidy reduction in the state.

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He said that the products, which were meant for illicit export, were seized by intelligence and surveillance activities, greatly alleviating the region’s fuel need.

A total of 71,965 litres, valued at almost N81.5 million, were seized, according to Ejibunu, including 1,124 jerrycans (25, 40, and 60 litres), 53 drums (200 litres each), and 21,000 litres hauled in two tankers.

The majority of the seizures, he continued, took place near the border between Cameroon and Nigeria.

He stated: “In a collaborative effort, the Service transferred 13 of the 14 intercepted tankers to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Yola.”

However, he confirmed that a suspect linked to smuggling activities had been arrested and is currently facing prosecution.
He stated: “Operation Whirlwind had helped stabilise the fuel supply in Adamawa State, reducing scarcity and price volatility. The operation’s broader strategy aims to curb the activities of illegal oil bunkerers and marketers.”

The Customs Area Controller, CAC Adamawa/Taraba Command, Comptroller Garba Bashir, stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders.