The Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command, has intercepted a total of 35,725 litres of Premium Motor Spirit and other contraband items worth over ₦109.5 million in a renewed crackdown on smuggling across the state’s borders.
Comptroller of Customs, Mahmoud Ibrahim, disclosed this during his maiden press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
Ibrahim said the seizures were made through joint operations with Operation Whirlwind, a special task force of the Service.
He stated, “Operation Whirlwind intercepted 14,750 litres of PMS valued at ₦8.85 million, while officers of the Kebbi Command seized another 20,975 litres worth ₦12.58 million in various flashpoints, including Bagudo, Tsamiya, Kamba, Lolo, Bunza, and Zuru/Mahakala.
“These interceptions underscore our unwavering commitment to safeguard national resources and protect the economy from sabotage. Fuel smuggling deprives the nation of vital revenue and poses serious safety risks.”
He commended the efforts of field officers, the Customs Intelligence Unit, and partner security agencies for their “resilience, synergy, and professionalism,” noting that the confiscated PMS would be auctioned in line with extant laws, with proceeds remitted to the federal treasury.
The Area Controller also revealed that the Command generated ₦25.6 million in September, representing a 36.13% increase compared to August.
He attributed the improvement to enhanced stakeholder engagement, improved border management, and collaboration with Niger Republic through the Kamba border axis.
He said, “In the last month, the Command also seized 100 bales of second-hand clothing, 444 laptop-sized wraps of Cannabis Sativa, and 143 mini sacks of donkey meat
“We also seized 140 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 100 bags of parboiled rice and 20 jerrycans of vegetable oil, all valued at ₦109,595,761.
“In line with inter-agency cooperation, the Command will officially hand over 143 pieces of donkey meat to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and 444 wraps of Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).”
Matawalle, who assumed duty in September, pledged sustained collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders to curb cross-border crimes, enhance intelligence sharing, and boost legitimate trade.
“Kebbi Command remains steadfast in addressing challenges and improving identified grey areas. Through innovation and dedication, we will continue to safeguard the national economy and ensure security,” he assured.
(Punch)
