Customs Seizes Over N51 Million Worth Of Smuggled Goods In Adamawa.
The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, seizing contraband 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, highlighted the command’s sustained efforts, which were bolstered by intelligence-sharing and inter-agency collaboration. These efforts led to the interception of smuggled goods along various borderlines.
Among the confiscated items were 29,825 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) packaged in 1,149 jerry cans and four 220-litre drums, which were being smuggled out of the country. Additionally, three vehicles and a used motorcycle were seized while attempting to transport 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 second-hand clothing and eight drums (200 litres each), along with 35 jerry cans (25 litres each) of Methylene Chloride, commonly known as ‘Suck and Die,’ a chemical frequently used in illicit drug production,” Bashir stated.
Due to the inflammable nature of the seized fuel, Comptroller Bashir announced that it would be auctioned to the public immediately, in line with standard procedures.
Despite operating in a border enforcement zone where official borders remain closed, the command has surpassed its 2024 revenue target. Bashir revealed that the command generated N173.6 million, exceeding the projected N132 million by N41.6 million—a 23.97% 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 explained.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Customs Service to tackling smuggling, Bashir noted that smugglers would continue to face intense scrutiny until they abandon economic sabotage and embrace legitimate trade.
He called on patriotic Nigerians, oil marketers, and media professionals to support the fight against smuggling, stressing that it remains a major economic challenge. He further assured that the command would maintain its stance through continued communication and collaboration with other border enforcement agencies.
“The command is fully committed to dismantling all smuggling cartels and protecting the nation’s borders from security threats,” Bashir concluded.
