Customs impounds 119, 940 litres Benin Republic bound PMS at Lagos beach

By Seun Ibiyemi

The Seme command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Thursday, disclosed that it intercepted 3,998 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as, petrol on verge of being smuggled into neighboring countries.

In a press statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Hussein Abdulahi, the interception were made due to continuous surveillance and offensive patrol by the officers and men of the command along the creeks and beaches.

According to Abdulahi, the intercepted products, have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N28.9million.

The statement reads, “In the late hours of Monday 15 August, 2022, the command received a tip-off of intelligence that there were large quantities of petroleum product, PMS, stockpiled close to a beach along Badagry waterways intended to be smuggled out of the country.

Our men stormed the location and the product was successfully evacuated to the Command premises in Seme Border. The findings revealed that 3,998 Jerry cans of PMS in 30 litre each, equivalent to 119, 940 litres of PMS about four tankers load of 33000 litres were discovered. The seized petroleum product has a Duty Paid Value DPV of N28.9million.”

Abdulahi, however, stated that the Customs Area Controller, Compt. Mohammed Jibo, reiterated the commitment of officers of the command to continue making smuggling unattractive.

“While noting that the economic saboteurs will be frustrated until smuggling is suppressed to the barest minimal level, the Customs CAC, reiterated the commitment of his officers to continue making smuggling unattractive.

“The CAC used the medium to call on fellow Nigerians to provide useful information that could help to curtail the illegal activities of unscrupulous elements among us. He applauded his officers for the high level of discipline, patriotism and professionalism exhibited in the discharge of their duty and urged them to keep making the Command and service proud.

“Finally, the Area Controller acknowledged and appreciated the support and cooperation enjoyed from our host communities and security agencies without which the Command couldn’t have achieved this great feat.

The Command also express its gratitude to the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali ( Rtd) and the management team for motivating officers by providing necessary tools for improved performance.”