Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 500 jerry cans and two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, worth N25.9 million at several known smuggling points along the Babana border area in Niger State.
The Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu made this revelation on Wednesday, April 16 at the Nigeria Customs Niger-Kogi Command headquarters in Minna, area of the state.
Ejibunu stated that the smuggled fuel was found hidden inside vehicles and containers on several notorious routes, including Kabe-Tunga-Madugu Road, Kabe-Kibera Road, Dekara-Gedang-Zana Road, and Babana-Gwarizo Road.
He cautioned that the illegal fuel trade poses significant risks to both national security and the country’s economy.
Ejibunu said, “Smuggling petroleum products out of Nigeria undermines government efforts, fuels insecurity, and constitutes a major form of economic sabotage.
“Smuggling of PMS is detrimental to the survival of Nigeria. It has economic and security disadvantages as well.
“It will interest you to note that most of those bandits attacking us, how do they get food, is through this means.
“And now it is prudence equally to believe and allow such a quantum of fuel to go outside Nigeria to go into their hands.
“It means we are fueling our traducers, giving them more power and energy to come in to attack us.
“It is important to note that as Nigerians, it is our responsibility when you see something, you say something.
“Do not allow this to continue because a lot of people within Nigeria are looking for this product, and they may not even get it.”
He pointed out that the confiscated fuel was intended for illegal export and emphasized that the success of the operation was due to intelligence sharing, cooperation among various agencies, and assistance from local communities.
Adding that, “This is the first time such a large seizure is happening in Niger State, and it sends a clear message that we are serious about stopping this menace.”
Ejibunu mentioned that no arrests were made, as the suspects fled and abandoned the smuggled products upon realizing they were being chased.
He stated that, “I would have loved a situation where someone is arrested and we bring him to justice.
“I want our officers to know that their job is incomplete if they do not bring in a suspect.
“Suspect is germane and critical towards establishing the ways and manner in which these smuggled products are being taken to and who is receiving them.”
Ejibunu blamed the ongoing smuggling of PMS out of the country on greed, describing it as an act of theft and outright daylight robbery.
He further stated that, “Our refineries are working now, but people still take out our fuel and sell it to people in other countries.
“Our PMS is for in-house consumption and not for export.
“Anyone who wants to export it should pass through the due process.”
Ejibunu revealed that the operation was also backed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which offered both technical and regulatory support.
The Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, praised the commitment of officers involved in the operation and called for additional resources, including patrol vehicles and communication equipment, particularly in light of the growing threat posed by terrorist groups near the Babana area.
He said, “This seizure demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies and communities work together.
“With continued support and proper logistics, we can reduce this problem to the barest minimum.”
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