The Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant seizure, intercepting 1,149 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) allegedly smuggled through the Dorofi and Kan Iyaka axis along the Gembu-Cameroon border in Taraba State.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed that the seized petroleum products, contained in 30-liter jerrycans, totalled 34,470 liters with a duty-paid value of N37,780,600 (million).
The operation, codenamed “Operation Whirl Wind,” was carried out between March 8 and 9, 2025, based on intelligence gathered in collaboration with key agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Adeniyi said it was imperative to disrupt the smuggling network, stating, “Our intelligence-led operations have disrupted an emerging smuggling corridor along the Gembu-Dorofi-Kan Iyaka-Cameroon border.”
The customs boss cautioned that the agency would continue to strengthen border security and curb the illegal exportation of petroleum products.
He urged Nigerians to support Customs by providing credible information that would help in tackling smuggling.
“Smuggling is an economic crime, and tackling it requires collective effort,” Adeniyi said.
“Intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration are key to sustaining our fight against this menace.”
A special-purpose transportation vehicle valued at N4 million was also impounded during the operation.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the commitment of Customs to ensuring that Nigeria’s subsidized fuel does not end up in neighbouring countries at the expense of the economy.
“We remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s subsidized fuel does not end up in neighboring countries at the expense of our economy.”
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