By Steve Agbota
Operation Whirlwind Taskforce Team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) on Tuesday said that it intercepted 20, 100 litres petroleum product with a Duty Paid Value of N18 million in seven days.
The Coordinator of the team, Comptroller Husseini Ejubunu stated this while addressing the newsmen, said that it is worthy of note that just a week after the regrouping of the officers of Operation Whirlwind team, Zone ‘A’ Axis, a total of 804 kegs of 25 litres each of PMS was intercepted and seized.
He gave the breakdown as follows; 50 kegs of 25 litres each of PMS were intercepted at Ere River, Ado Odo in Ogun state on Monday, September, 2, 2024, 265 kegs of 25 litres each of PMS were evacuated from a house in Imeko, Ogun state on Tuesday, September, 3, 2024.
“Others are 425 kegs of 25 litres each of PMS were intercepted in a Filling Station called “God is Sufficient Petroleum” in Idiroko on Wednesday 4” September 4, 2024, 27 kegs of 25 litres each of PMS intercepted in a Mazda car along Idiroko in Ogun state on Thursday, September 6, 2024.
“37 kegs of 25 litres each of PMS intercepted in a bush path abandoned by smugglers in Idiroko on Monday, September 9, 2024.
In connection with the above seizures were five (5) means of conveyance while the total seizure is 804 kegs of 25 litres each equivalent to 20, 100 litres with a Duty Paid Value of N18 million,” he said.
He said the renewed vigour of the officers accounted for serious combing of flashpoints as provided by intelligence reports hence the aforementioned results.
“The activities of economic saboteurs are inimical to the economic growth and prosperity of our Nation as well as the well being of its citizens. All hands must be on deck to fight these common enemies of the state. At this point, my message to the smugglers is simple, no hiding place for them except they embrace legitimate trade,” he said.
Recall, on July 26, 2024, Operation Whirlwind showcased intercepted 31,740 litres of PMS valued at N25 million.