The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted and seized no fewer than 1,800 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, valued at about N58 million, while being smuggled out of the country to Cameroon.

The seizure was made by operatives of the Operation Whirlwind, a special anti-smuggling task force of the Customs, during a coordinated operation along identified smuggling routes in Adamawa State.

Speaking while displaying the seized petroleum products to journalists on Tuesday, the Comptroller of Customs, in charge of the operation, said the action was part of sustained efforts by the Service to curb the illegal exportation of subsidised petroleum products through Nigeria’s porous borders.

According to him, the smugglers had attempted to evade security checks by transporting the petrol in 1,800 25-litre jerry cans, concealed in remote border communities and bush paths linking Nigeria to neighbouring Cameroon.

“Our officers, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the consignment before it could cross the border. The total value of the seized PMS is estimated at N58 million,” he said.

The comptroller noted that the illegal smuggling of petrol not only undermines Nigeria’s economy but also worsens fuel scarcity and drives up prices within the country.

He warned smugglers and their collaborators to desist from such activities, stressing that the NCS would not relent in enforcing existing laws against economic sabotage.

“Smuggling of petroleum products is a serious economic crime. We will continue to intensify patrols and surveillance along border corridors to ensure that offenders are apprehended and brought to justice,” he added.

The Customs boss commended officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and professionalism, urging them to sustain the tempo in line with the Service’s mandate.

He also called on border communities to support security agencies with timely information, assuring that informants’ identities would be protected.

The seized petroleum products are to be disposed of in line with existing government regulations, while investigations are ongoing to track and arrest those behind the smuggling attempt.

The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to secure Nigeria’s borders and protect national economic interests.