The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has confiscated 1,577 jerry cans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly known as petrol, valued at N39.4 million.
Assistant Comptroller General of Customs and National Coordinator of the Unit, Hussaine Ejibunu, made this disclosure while addressing journalists on Friday in Lagos.
Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller General of Customs, revealed that the seizure was made across multiple border flashpoints, including Ilaro, Imeko, Badagry, Owode, and Ajilete.
He said investigations confirmed that the fuel was intended for illegal export to neighboring countries. He reiterated the Service’s commitment to combating smuggling, stressing that there would be no safe haven or hiding place for smugglers and economic saboteurs.
According to him, the confiscated PMS, totaling 39,425 liters (each jerry can containing 25 liters), was intercepted along with eight vehicles used in transporting the fuel.
He added that the duty-paid value of the petrol was estimated at N39.4 million, while the vehicles were valued at N24 million — bringing the total worth of the seized assets to N63.4 million.
Ejibunu further said that under the directive of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, the seized fuel will be auctioned immediately, lauding key stakeholders who supported the operation.
“I want to express our appreciation to our strategic partners — the Office of the Attorney General and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Lagos Zonal Office — for their unwavering support. This success would not have been possible without their collaboration,”; he said.
