Arewa Think Tank Raises Alarm Over PMS Smuggling at Northern Borders

• Arewa Think Tank (ATT) highlighted the increased smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the borders of Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states
• ATT praised ‘Operation Whirlwind’ for intercepting over 200,000 liters of PMS and reducing smuggling pressures, enhancing PMS price stability

The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has voiced concerns about the rising smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the borders of Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states.

While acknowledging the efforts of Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi in combating smuggling, the group emphasized the need to strengthen ‘Operation Whirlwind’ at these northern borders to realize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic vision for Nigeria.

Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the Chief Convener of ATT, highlighted in a statement yesterday the successes of the newly formed tactical team, Operation Whirlwind. The initiative targets the smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries. It has achieved significant success in states like Adamawa, Cross River, and parts of Sokoto, intercepting over 200,000 litres of PMS this month alone.

“The initiative has reduced pressures caused by smuggling activities and dismantled smuggler cartels, leading to price stability of PMS in border states,” Yakubu noted.

However, he expressed concern over the increased smuggling of PMS across the borders of Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Katsina states. Yakubu commended the Customs Service for collaborating with the National Security Advisor (NSA) to find lasting solutions to ensure Nigerians benefit from fuel price deregulation in line with President Tinubu’s vision.

Yakubu also expressed condolences to the CG of Customs over the death of Deputy Comptroller Essien Etop Andrew, who collapsed and died at the National Assembly while answering questions from the House of Representatives committee. He urged the Customs boss to remain undeterred in the fight against smugglers, focusing on improving the federal government’s revenue base and staying focused on the mission.