CUSTOMS BUST SYNDICATE SMUGGLING PETROL TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has busted a major syndicate involved in the smuggling of petroleum products, particularly petrol, to neighbouring countries.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, announced the breakthrough on Friday during a press briefing in Lagos. He said operatives intercepted several tankers loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at border communities in Ogun and Oyo states.

“These smugglers were trying to move millions of litres of petrol across the border, depriving Nigerians of much-needed fuel. We have arrested key members of the syndicate and seized their vehicles,” Adeniyi stated.

The Customs Service recovered over 250,000 litres of petrol and several trucks during the operation. The suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted according to the law.

The NCS has intensified surveillance at the borders and deployed advanced technology to curb the smuggling of petroleum products. The Comptroller-General warned that the agency will not relent in its efforts to protect the nation’s economy and ensure that subsidised fuel benefits Nigerians.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, commended the Customs Service for the successful operation and called for stronger collaboration among security agencies to tackle cross-border smuggling. He also urged the public to provide useful information that can help in the fight against fuel smuggling.

Smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries has been a major challenge for Nigeria, leading to scarcity and increased pressure on the domestic supply. The NCS said it will continue to work with other agencies to dismantle smuggling networks and secure the nation’s borders.

The latest bust is part of a broader campaign to ensure the effective distribution of fuel and prevent the diversion of products meant for the Nigerian market. The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.