The Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 35,725 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other prohibited items, as part of renewed efforts to clamp down on cross-border smuggling.
According to the customs command, the intercepted items are valued at over ₦109.5 million.
Comptroller Mahmoud Ibrahim, the Area Controller, made this known during his first media briefing held on Wednesday at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.
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According to Ibrahim, the latest operations were conducted in collaboration with Operation Whirlwind, a specialised task force established by the Customs Service to tackle fuel smuggling and related crimes.
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He explained, “Operation Whirlwind intercepted 14,750 litres of PMS valued at ₦8.85 million, while officers of the Kebbi Command confiscated an additional 20,975 litres worth ₦12.58 million at different hotspots such as Bagudo, Tsamiya, Kamba, Lolo, Bunza, and Zuru/Mahakala.
“These seizures demonstrate our unrelenting determination to protect national assets and shield the economy from sabotage. The illicit diversion of fuel deprives the country of crucial revenue and poses significant safety hazards.”
The Comptroller applauded the dedication and professionalism of the field operatives, the Customs Intelligence Unit, and other partnering security agencies whose joint efforts led to the successful interceptions.
He further disclosed that the seized PMS would be sold through a lawful auction process, with all proceeds duly remitted to the federal treasury.
Speaking on the Command’s revenue drive, Ibrahim announced that the Kebbi Command generated ₦25.6 million in September, representing a 36.13 per cent increase compared to the revenue collected in August.
He attributed this progress to stronger collaboration with local stakeholders, improved border security measures, and continued cooperation with neighbouring Niger Republic through the Kamba border axis.
“In the past month alone, the Command intercepted 100 bales of second-hand clothes, 444 laptop-sized parcels of Cannabis Sativa, and 143 mini sacks of donkey meat,” Ibrahim revealed.
“We also recovered 140 cartons of imported spaghetti, 100 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 20 jerrycans of vegetable oil, with the total value of the seizures amounting to ₦109,595,761.
“In line with inter-agency collaboration, we will hand over the 143 sacks of donkey meat to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and the 444 wraps of Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).”
Ibrahim, who assumed office in September, reiterated the Command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-sharing networks, working closely with other security outfits, and supporting lawful trade to deter smuggling.
“The Kebbi Command remains determined to overcome operational challenges and address identified gaps. With innovation and sustained effort, we will continue to safeguard the nation’s economy and promote security,” he affirmed.
According to PUNCH, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, recorded 125 interceptions of contraband worth ₦1.8 billion in the past six weeks.
The Controller of Zone A, Muhammed Shuaibu, disclosed that the items were seized at various border routes across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states.
