Customs intercepts 30,000 litres of Benin Republic- bound PMS at Lagos creek

Abiola Seun

The Seme command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday said it intercepted 30,150 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol on the verge of being smuggled into neighbouring Benin Republic.

According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi and a copy made available to newsmen, he said the interception was in continuation of the command’s efforts to suppress smuggling of petroleum products out of the country.

Abdullahi, however, said the smuggled petroleum products were intercepted along the creeks within Seme and Badagry.

He said, ” In continuation of our efforts to suppress smuggling of petroleum products within nooks and crannies of the Command, officers and men of the Seme Area Command on a routine patrol along the creeks within Seme and Badagry intercepted another large quantities of petroleum products in sacks. The arrest was made in the early hours of Wednesday 12th January, 2022.

“After successful evacuation of the said item to the Command premises where examination was conducted, 1005 jerry cans of petroleum products equivalent to 30,150 litres were discovered with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N6.974million.

He, however, said the Customs Area Controller of the command, Compt. Bello Jibo commended the doggedness of the officers who intercepted the petroleum products.

“The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Bello Mohammed Jibo while showcasing the seizure commended the doggedness, patriotism, dedication and high level of professionalism exhibited by his men.

“The new Landcruiser patrol vehicles (Buffalo) provided by the management of the NCS has aided the operation of the command because before now, some of the creeks and beaches are not accessible but now with the aid of this Buffalo vehicles, we are able to access everywhere.

“The CAC said that in as much as the smugglers continued with their unpatriotic acts, his men were ready to match them and that seizures of PMS is a routine activity in which the tempo will be sustained.”