By Gwurld4026 
N72.6m Petrol Seized by Customs on River Benue
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, valued at over ₦72.6 million, intended for smuggling into Cameroon via the River Benue. This operation was executed by the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command as part of intensified efforts to combat illicit cross-border activities.
Details of the Seizure:
- Date and Location: On March 13, 2025, customs operatives conducted a raid at the Jimeta waterside, locally known as Bakin Kogi, along the River Benue.
- Quantity and Packaging: The operation led to the discovery of 240 drums, each containing 220 litres of petrol, totaling approximately 52,800 litres.
Command’s Stance on Smuggling:
Comptroller Garba Bashir of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards smuggling, stating that the command is determined to “strangle and suffocate” smuggling activities until they are eradicated from the region.
Recent Related Seizures:
This interception is part of a series of recent operations targeting fuel smuggling in the area:
- March 8, 2025: A Toyota Corolla loaded with petrol was seized at the Fufore-Gurin axis, preventing its smuggling into a neighboring country.
- March 14, 2025: An intelligence-driven operation at Fufore-Gurin resulted in the confiscation of 425 jerrycans of PMS, each containing 25 litres.
Total Seized Volume:
Collectively, these operations have led to the confiscation of approximately 70,175 litres of petrol, significantly disrupting the illicit fuel trade in the region.
Call to Action:
The NCS urges citizens to report any suspicious cross-border activities and reaffirms its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while cracking down on smuggling networks to protect Nigeria’s economy.