OPERATORS OF PETROL STATIONS SMUGGLING PETROLEUM PRODUCTS ACROSS THE BORDERS RISK JAIL TERM—CUSTOMS
Operators of petrol stations along the nation’s borders whose facilities are used as conduit for the smuggling of petroleum products risk jail term as the Customs Service has threatened to take legal action against them.
National Co-ordinator of Operation Whirlwind Team, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu disclosed in Abeokuta today.
He told Newsmen that at least five petrol stations were already involved in illegal sale of the product across the borders.
According to him, no fewer than 26,950 liters of premium motor spiritw worth N19 million has been intercepted by his team in the Zone A axis.
He said * 121 kegs of PMS of 25liters each equivalent to 3025 lites of O yinkansola Global concept along Badagry / Seme road in Lagos state. Means of conveyance two cars on 31st of may, 2024.
* Seventy seven drums of PMS (616 kegs of 25liters each) equivalent to 15,400 lites at SEAYAB PETROLEUM along Imela/ Obada road in Ogun state. The means conveyance is a truck with the Reg. 95D4244D. Friday 7th of June, 2024.
* 100 kegs of PMS at 25 lites each equipment to 2500 liters at QUAWIYAN RESOURCE PETROLEUM NIG. LTD along Owode / Atan road in Ogun state. Means of conveyance, One Toyota Camry with Ch. No 4TIBE3KXU672540 on Saturday 8th June, 2024.
* 141 kegs of PMS at 25 liters each equivalent to 6025 liters at JULANKY OIL & GAS along Owode / Llaro road in Ogun state. Means of conveyance 2 Toyota Avalon cars with Ch. No. 4TIBE28B72U266597 and 4TIBF28B33U298190. On Saturday 8th June, 2024
The Co-ordinator stated that all the petrol stations involved have been sealed up pending investigations with the NNDPRA on whether in the first place , such stations have all the legal requirements to operate.
He pointed out that the menace posed by the unpatriotic act of these economic saboteurs on the Nigerian economy cannot be overemphasized hence the need for synergy and cooperation with other patriotic government agencies in this fight.
‘There is a huge distortion in the supply chain of petroleum products to designated states and filling stations due to diversion to neighbouring countries’
He stated that the establishment of the Operation Whirlwind to put an end to the ever- growing monster of unwholesome illegal exportation of petroleum products.
Competent and dedicated officers, he noted were drafted to make up the squad from various Customs formations and given the prerequisite training before being dispatched to the four Customs zones.
Quoting the Comptroller General, he said a combined total of 280,135 liters of fuel was intercepted in collaboration with other commands in the last two weeks. He added that the seizure was valued at N195.5 million.
Ejibunu, as optimistic as he has ever been, said ‘ moving forward, more success will be recorded by the Team taking into consideration the commitment of the Customs Management and the office of the National Security Adviser to fine tune certain areas for easy monitoring of distribution channel of petroleum products to the various States and filling stations. He sounded a warning to those perpetrating this dastardly act to desist or have themselves to blame.