A joint anti-bunkering team of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idi-Itoko, in the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State has intercepted 13 Jerry cans of 25 litres and six jerry cans of 10 litres of petrol allegedly concealed in two caskets by suspected smugglers.
The suspected smugglers were said to have attempted to smuggle the fuel kept in jerry cans and concealed them in two caskets into Benin Republic before their plan was thwarted.
The Federal Government has banned supply of fuel to 20 kilometres radius from the border areas in the country.
Our correspondent further gathered that the suspected smugglers reportedly abandoned the items and bolted away to avoid arrest by the men of the task force in the border area.
The Public Relations Officer of NCS, Ogun 1, area command, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed the incident in an electronic statement he issued on Wednesday in Abeokuta.
Maiwadah stated, “In continuation of the fight against smuggling, a Joint Special Task force comprising of officers and men, of Ogun I Command, Federal Operation Unit Zone “A” and CGC’s Strike force intercepted 13 jerry cans of 25 litres and six jerry cans of 10 litres of Premium Motor Spirit concealed clandestinely in two caskets.
“The said items were conveyed by dare-devil smugglers with the intention of smuggling the items across the border to a neighbouring country in a Mazda 626 with Lagos registration number LSD 617 CW. “
Maiwada, however, said the state command of the NCS reiterated it stand that there would be no retreat on the fight against smuggling in whatever disguise.
He said, “We therefore appeal to the general public to embrace legitimate means of livelihood and to avoid smuggling in all its ramifications.
“The eagle eye is all around Ogun State to halt new techniques initiated by economic saboteurs to perpetuate their illicit acts.”
