The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, leading to the seizure of goods worth over N51.9 million within the last three weeks.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Customs House in Yola, the Area Comptroller, Garba Bature Bashir, disclosed that the command’s sustained efforts, aided by shared intelligence and inter-agency collaboration, resulted in the interception of contraband goods along various borderlines.
The seized items include 29,825 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) packaged in 1,149 jerry cans and four 220-liter drums, which were intended for smuggling out of the country.
Additionally, three vehicles and a used motorcycle were confiscated while attempting to move the fuel across the border into Cameroon.
“One of the vehicles had a hidden compartment filled with PMS. Other intercepted goods include 11 bales of secondhand clothing and eight drums (200 liters each) along with 35 jerry cans (25 liters each) of Methylene Chloride, commonly known as ‘Suck and Die,’ a chemical often used in illicit drug production,” he said.
Comptroller Bashir said that the confiscated PMS would be auctioned to the public immediately after the briefing due to its inflammable nature, in line with standard operating procedures.
“Despite operating in a border enforcement area where official borders remain closed, the command has exceeded its 2024 revenue target,” he added.
The customs boss revealed that the command generated N173.6 million, surpassing the N132 million target by N41.6 million, representing a 23.97 percent increase.
“This revenue was primarily generated through the direct auction sales of seized items, in accordance with Section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023,” he said.
Reaffirming the Customs Service’s commitment to combating smuggling, Comptroller Bashir stated that during the last press briefing, he had promised that illegitimate marketers would not have fresh air until they forsake economic sabotage and embrace genuine business.
He assured that the command is maintaining its stance through shared communication and collaboration with other border control agencies.
Comptroller Bashir called on patriotic Nigerians, oil marketers, and media professionals to support the Customs Service in its fight against smuggling, emphasizing that smuggling remains a major economic challenge.
He stressed that the command is fully committed to dismantling all smuggling cartels and protecting the country’s borders from security threats.
