The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, has intercepted over 35,700 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other smuggled items valued at N109.5 million in a renewed operation against cross-border crimes.
Comptroller Mahmoud Ibrahim, who disclosed this during his maiden press briefing at the Command headquarters in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, said the seizures were made through joint efforts with Operation Whirlwind, a special anti-smuggling task force.
“Operation Whirlwind intercepted 14,750 litres of PMS worth N8.85 million, while Kebbi Command officers seized another 20,975 litres valued at N12.58 million across flashpoints in Bagudo, Tsamiya, Kamba, Lolo, Bunza, and Zuru/Mahakala,” Ibrahim said.
He noted that the seizures underscore the Service’s commitment to safeguarding national resources and curbing economic sabotage. “Fuel smuggling deprives the nation of vital revenue and endangers lives,” he added.
Ibrahim said the Command generated N25.6 million in September, a 36.13% increase from August, attributing the rise to stronger border management and cooperation with Niger Republic via the Kamba border.
Other confiscated goods include 100 bales of second-hand clothing, 444 wraps of cannabis, 143 mini sacks of donkey meat, 140 cartons of spaghetti, 100 bags of parboiled rice, and 20 jerrycans of vegetable oil.
He said the cannabis and donkey meat would be handed over to the NDLEA and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, respectively, for further action.
The Comptroller pledged continued collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders to curb cross-border crimes and enhance legitimate trade.