Get Guardian on Google…vows technology-driven war against smuggling
The newly appointed Acting Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Mamman Ali, has pledged to strengthen the fight against smuggling through intelligence-driven operations, digitalisation and the adoption of modern technology.
Mamman Ali made the pledge during the handing-over and taking-over ceremony at the Customs House in Yola, following his assumption of leadership of the command.
He said his administration would prioritise operational efficiency, intelligence gathering, effective enforcement and the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in smuggling activities.
According to him, the command will move beyond conventional physical patrols and road checks by embracing technology and digital solutions to strengthen border security and tackle illicit trade.
“Digitalisation has come to stay, and we will adopt it in every possible way to curb smuggling activities and sanitise the economy for sustainable growth,” Ali said.
He stressed that suspects arrested in connection with smuggling activities would be subjected to appropriate legal and litigation procedures to ensure adequate sanctions and deter future violations.
The new controller said his administration would align its operations with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust of consolidation, innovation and collaboration.
He also identified community leaders, border residents and other stakeholders as critical partners in the fight against smuggling, urging them to provide timely and credible intelligence to support the command’s operations.
Ali commended his predecessor, Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Tako, for his contributions and achievements, promising to consolidate on the existing successes recorded during his tenure.
In his farewell remarks, Tako congratulated Ali on his appointment and highlighted the command’s anti-smuggling achievements during his tenure, which commenced on December 9, 2025.
He disclosed that the command recorded several seizures, including 103,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), nine kilogrammes of cannabis, 74 kilogrammes of ivory tusks and 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales.
Other seized items, according to him, included 64 complete raw donkey skins, 266 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 501 cartons of foreign bar soaps, second-hand clothing and vehicles allegedly used to convey contraband goods.
Tako said the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amounted to N530.97 million.
He added that the command also strengthened joint patrols and intelligence-led operations as part of efforts to safeguard the nation’s borders and combat illicit trade.
The outgoing controller urged officers and men of the command to demonstrate loyalty, discipline and maximum operational support to the new leadership while sustaining the achievements recorded.
Also speaking, the State Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Abdulmalik Bello, commended Tako for his cooperation and support for the association during his tenure.
Bello also praised the outgoing controller’s security initiatives and assured the new leadership of IPMAN’s continued cooperation, stressing the association’s readiness to collaborate effectively with the Nigeria Customs Service in addressing security and economic challenges in the region.
