The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday announced the interception of 28,300 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol in the Zone A Command of the Service.
Speaking while showing seized petrol to newsmen at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Comptroller General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi said Ogun State contributes 65 per cent to fuel smuggling in the South-West Zone, followed by Lagos State at 35 per cent.
According to the Customs boss, the comprehensive analysis of the pattern of seizures across the axis revealed significant insights into the dynamic smuggling tactics and dominant routes being exploited by saboteurs.
He stated further that the Imeko-Afon axis in Ogun State contributes 25 per cent of total seizures while Ilaro-Ojodan contributes 22 per cent, and the Owode-Ajilete route responsible for 18 per cent, making a total of 65 per cent.
“The first corridor is the Badagry-Seme corridor, which accounts for approximately 35 per cent of the total seizures,” Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss emphasised that the axis remains the primary smuggling route, with multiple interceptions recorded along the Badagry-Seme route and its waterside.
He stated that the proximity of the axis to the Republic of Benin and the complex network of waterways in the area continue to make it a preferred route for smugglers.
“The second identified corridor is the Imeko-Afon axis in Ogun State with 25 per cent of total seizures while Ilaro-Ojodan contributes 22 per cent. Owode-Ajilete route is responsible for 18 per cent,” the CGC said.
The CGC stressed that these routes represent another emerging corridor being exploited by smugglers attempting to circumvent the traditional enforcement positions.
“The operational data reveals several emerging trends in smuggling tactics that warrant our attention,” he said.
On the seized contrabands, Adeniyi highlighted that the intelligence-driven operation which held between January 11 and February 23, 2025 by Customs officers led to the seizure of 28,300 litres of petrol that were being diverted through various concealment methods and smuggling techniques.
He put the duty paid value of these seizures at N35.8million
Adeniyi added that three vehicles used by the smugglers were also seized as a means of conveyance.
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