By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro
The Cross River/Akwa Ibom Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has auctioned off 26,625 litres of seized petrol to the public in Cross River State at a discounted rate of N9000 per 25-litre keg.
Recall that the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind; Controller HK Ejibunu, had at Cross River/Akwa Ibom/FTZ Area Command headquarters in Calabar, on Tuesday 16th July 2024, showcased huge seizures of petroleum products.He reiterated the exercise was in continuation of efforts to disrupt and dismantle the network of cartels and smugglers of Premium Motor Spirit, especially in the riverine areas.
Ejibunu noted that the operation was jointly coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the NCS in synergy with NMDPRA, the regulatory authority in the oil and gas sector.The auctioned off of the seized 1,065 25-litre kegs of PMS, totaling 26,625 litres of PMS together with one mode of conveyance; with a total DPV of N40,054,125 only were seized in different dates and locations across Agbaragba-Ikom, Akansoko road, Ikom-Ogoja road and other places within the zone.
The Area Controller, Chukwudi Gabriel Ogbonna, disclosed that the auction was conducted in strict adherence to existing laws and with the approval of the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
Urging members of the PMS smuggling cartels to have a re-think and better go into legitimate businesses because “we will continue to go after them as economic saboteurs, as there’s no place for their illegal activities, Ogbonna said, “NCS remains resolute in our mission to disrupt illegal trade activities. We will continue to enforce the law and ensure that those engaged in smuggling face the full consequences of their actions.”
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