The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 14,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, with an estimated value of N14.4 million. The fuel was reportedly being smuggled out of Nigeria to Cameroon through routes in Cross River State.

The seizure was carried out by Operation Whirlwind, a special enforcement team of the Customs Service. According to Deputy Comptroller Lucky Aliyu, the illegal fuel shipment was intercepted around Calabar while it was being transported across the border.

Aliyu revealed that the task force discovered a large cross-border smuggling network operating in the region. Over the past three weeks, officers recovered 235 jerry-cans of 25 litres each and 40 drums containing 200 litres each, bringing the total seized fuel to 14,375 litres.

He warned that petrol smuggling harms the economy by reducing government revenue and creating artificial fuel shortages. The Customs Service said the seized petrol was later disposed of through a public auction in line with transparency and legal procedures.