The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has ordered the sale of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit at cheaper prices to Yola residents of Adaamawa State.
Adeniyi disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking to journalists in Yola.
He noted that the proceeds will be remitted to the Federation Account.
This comes as the national coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussain Ejibunu, lauded Adeniyi and the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for their support.
According to him, the initiative alleviates the impact of subsidy removal in the state.
Ejibunu explained that the seized products, intended for illegal export, were confiscated through intelligence and surveillance operations, significantly easing fuel scarcity in the region.
He said the total seizure included 1,124 jerrycans (25, 40, and 60 litres), 53 drums (200 litres each), and 21,000 litres transported in two tankers, amounting to 71,965 litres, valued at over N81.5 million.
He also revealed that most of the seizures occurred along the Cameroon-Nigeria border.
Ejibunu confirmed that a suspect linked to smuggling activities had been arrested and is currently facing prosecution.
The operation’s broader strategy aims to “curb the activities of illegal oil bunkers and marketers.”
Customs transferred 13 of the 14 intercepted tankers to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
