Calabar
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through Operation Whirlwind, Zone C, has intercepted a tanker conveying diverted Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and seized 6,125 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Cross River State.
The seizures, which were presented at the Customs House in Calabar, form part of the Service's intensified crackdown on petroleum products diversion and smuggling across the state's border communities.
The intercepted truck, with registration number KAM 663 XA, was found conveying diverted cooking gas and subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for necessary regulatory action.
In a related operation, Customs officials auctioned 245 jerry cans of 25 litres each, containing a total of 6,125 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, valued at ₦6,125,000.
The petroleum products were intercepted at identified smuggling flashpoints, including Ikang Road in Bakassi, Ibaka and Mfum.
Speaking during the presentation, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Zone C, DC Mahmood Bello Ishidi, described the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products as serious threats to Nigeria's economy, energy security and public interest.
He noted that such activities undermine government policies, disrupt legitimate petroleum distribution channels and deprive the country of the economic benefits of its natural resources.
Ishidi disclosed that intelligence reports indicated plans by smugglers to intensify their activities ahead of the festive season, warning that the Service would not allow criminal elements to exploit the period.
He consequently directed officers and commanders under his jurisdiction to strengthen surveillance, intensify intelligence gathering and respond promptly to credible information on suspicious activities.
According to him, the mandate of Operation Whirlwind extends beyond the interception of illegal petroleum products to ensuring that offenders are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
"Our mandate goes beyond making seizures. We must ensure that identified offenders are properly investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others," he said.
Also speaking, the Acting Area Comptroller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, DC Nkeiruka Nwala, reaffirmed the Customs Service's determination to tackle petroleum products diversion and cross-border smuggling.
She said the operation demonstrated the Service's commitment to protecting the nation's economic interests and ensuring compliance with established regulations governing petroleum products distribution.
In her remarks, the NMDPRA State Coordinator, Joy Okor-Odey, assured that the agency would not condone any activity capable of undermining government efforts to guarantee the availability, safety and proper distribution of petroleum products.
She stressed the need for sustained collaboration among relevant agencies to prevent diversion, curb smuggling and protect the integrity of the nation's petroleum supply chain.
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