The Nigerian Customs Service has pledged to curve the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), across the country describing the act as a direct threat to the economy and security of Nigeria.
The Comptroller General Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made the pledge while addressing officers and men at the headquarters of Niger/Kogi Area Command in Minna, where he commended his officers for intercepting 500 jerry cans of PMS at Babanna border in Niger State.
Represented by the Assistant Comptroller of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration, and Special Duties, Hussain Kehinde Ejibunu, the Comptroller General stressed the need for members of the public to support the service with useful information that would enhance its operations.
In his remarks, Area Controller Niger/Kogi Command Pascal Chibuoke highlighted that the command recorded seizures of 500 jerry cans and two drums of PMS at different intervals and locations, including the Kabe/Tunga Madugu Road, Kabe/Kigbra Road, Dekara/Gidan Zana Road, and Babana/Guazo Road axis,saying that the seized items, along with their means of conveyance, have a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of 25, 988, 000, 00.
The Controller Niger Kogi Area Command however attributed the success of the operations to strong inter-agency collaboration and community engagement in the ongoing war against economic saboteurs.
According to him, “The presence of Operation Whirlwind personnel and other officers in this command has reinforced our capacity to suppress PMS smuggling to the barest minimum,” the Controller stated.
Mr Pascal Chibuoke who acknowledged the general manpower shortage within the service, emphasized that with adequate logistics support, such as new patrol vehicles equipped with communication gadgets — the fight against smuggling and insurgent activities, especially around the Babana axis, would be more effective.
The Controller also appreciated the continued support of the Nigeria Customs Service in Minna,h describing it as a reflection of the collective will to promote peace and security in Niger State and Nigeria.
“I remain optimistic that this partnership will be sustained as we look forward to deeper collaboration in the future,” he added.
COV ALIYU LAWAL.
