The Customs Service has intercepted 1,149 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) that were allegedly smuggled through the Dorofi and Kan Iyaka areas along the Gembu-Cameroon border in Taraba.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, announced this on Friday in Jalingo while auctioning the seized petroleum products to the public.
Adeniyi explained that the operation, named ‘Operation Whirl Wind,’ which uncovered the smuggling network, took place between March 8 and 9, 2025. He noted that the operation was based on credible intelligence and was conducted in collaboration with other agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
“Our intelligence-led operations have disrupted an emerging smuggling corridor along the Gembu-Dorofi-Kan Iyaka-Cameroon border. We remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s fuel does not end up in neighboring countries illegally, which would negatively impact our economy,” he stated.
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Adeniyi added that the seized petroleum products, contained in 30-liter jerrycans, totaled approximately 34 million liters. Additionally, a special-purpose transportation vehicle valued at N4 million was also impounded, bringing the total duty-paid value of the seizure to over N37 million.
He acknowledged that the difficult terrain in the area has contributed to the prevalence of smuggling activities, remarking, “The rough landscape is a challenge, but we are working towards deploying technology to enhance real-time intelligence and surveillance, which will improve our ability to track and intercept illegal activities.”
The customs boss urged Nigerians to support the service by providing credible information that could aid in the fight against smuggling. “We encourage members of the public to collaborate with us and other security agencies. Smuggling is an economic crime, and tackling it requires a collective effort. Intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration are key to sustaining our fight against this menace,” he said.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the commitment of the service to strengthen border security and curb the illegal exportation of petroleum products, warning that those involved will face the full consequences of the law.
