- Auctions 500 jerrycans, two drums of PMS seized from smugglers in Niger
From John Adams Minna
The Nigerian Customs Service has expressed great concern over the growing security challenges, especially in parts of the north, saying that the activities of bandits and other insurgents is hampering its operations.
The Comptroller General of the Customs Service, Mr. Bash Adewale Adeniyi, stated this in Minna on Wednesday when he auctioned to the public 500 jerrycans of 25 liters and two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which were seized by the men of the Niger/Kogi area command of the customs service.
The petroleum product whose duty-paid value was put at N25,988 was intercepted along Nigeria/Benin Republic border at Banana in Niger State during the routine border patrol of the area.
The Comptroller General who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of finance, administration and special duties Hussein Ejibunu said the seizure was the second in the last one month after a similar operation in Adamawa state that led to the confiscation of 1,000 jerry cans of 25 liters being smuggled out to the neighboring countries.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Customs has lost three of its men to the new dreaded terrorists group, the Lukarawa in Busaka village, Kebbi state.
According to him, his men are also having some challenges at New Bussa in Borgu local government area of the state due to the activities of another terrorists group, the ISWAP who have continue to occupy the Kainji National Park.
He pointed out that the 500 Jerry Cans and two drums of the PMS which was auctioned to the public at N10,000 per Jerry Can was intercepted along key smuggling routes including Kabe-Tunga-Madugu Road, Kabe-Kibera Road, Dekara-Gedang-Zana Road, and Babana-Gwarizo Road.
He maintained that the activities of these smugglers did not only amount to economic sabotage, it has a serious implications on the economy, adding that smuggling of petrol equally has security implications as it might end up in a wrong hands.
“Smuggling of PMS is detrimental to the survival of Nigeria. It has economic disadvantages and security disadvantages as well. It will interest you to note that most of those bandits attacking us, relied on this snuggled petrol for their operations.
“It means we are fueling our enemies, giving them more power and energy to come in to attack us. It is important to note that as Nigerians, it is our responsibility to volunteer information to the security agents. When you see something wrong you say it”.
He noted that the seized fuel was being illegally exported to the neighboring countries, stressing that “the operation was made possible through intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and community support.
“This is the first time such a large seizure is happening in Niger State, and it sends a clear message that we are serious about stopping this menace,” he added.
The Comptroller General however said that no suspect was arrested in connection with the seized commodity, pointing out that the suspects all took to their heels and left the smuggled products when they discovered that they were being pursued.
“I would have loved a situation where someone is arrested and we bring him to justice. I want our officers to know that your job is incomplete if you do not bring a suspect.
“Suspect is germane and critical towards establishing the ways and manner in which these smuggled products are being taken to and who is receiving it”, he added.
Earlier the Customs Area Comptroller in charge of Niger-Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, highlighted the dedication of officers on the ground and appealed for more operational support, such as patrol vehicles and communication tools, especially with the increasing presence of terrorist groups around Babana.
“This seizure demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies and communities work together. With continued support and proper logistics, we can reduce this problem to the barest minimum,” he said.