How Smugglers, Terrorists Divert Petroleum Products To Neighbouring Countries – Investigation

More facts are emerging on how smugglers connive with terrorists to carry fuel in Jerricans across the border from Niger State to neighbouring African countries.

LEADERSHIP Findings revealed that petroleum products especially Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) are taken in thousands of Jericans transported in small vehicles to neighbouring Benin and Niger Republics.

It was learnt that smugglers who sometimes enjoy the protection of some of the terrorist groups operating in the trenches of the borders used the borders around Babanna in Borgu local government area and on River Niger through Agwara in Agwara local government area instead of using articulated vehicles.

Findings showed that the two outlets have been used to safely deliver the products to the already identified market in the neighbouring countries despite the presence of customs and immigration services along the borders.

At the beginning of the week, the customs service in Minna said that 500 containers, each containing 25 litres of PMS and two drums, were seized by the Nigeria Customs Services at different intervals and locations around the Babanna border.

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According to the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Finance Administration and Special Duties, Kehinde Ejibunu in Minna, they achieved the feat through synergy with other security agencies and community engagement with relevant stakeholders.

ACG Ejibunu, who is also the national coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, also gave indications of the resurgence of terrorists along the border areas and how they check diversion and smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries.

Also Customs Commander, Niger/ Kogi Area Command, Pascal Chibuoke noted the presence of terrorists groups around the Babana axis and requested for more patrol vehicles with modern communication gadgets to improve patrol along the border.