The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized goods worth ₦33,994,900 in just three weeks, in a renewed crackdown on smuggling across the two states.
Addressing journalists in Yola, the Area Controller, Garba Bashir, said 28 seizures were made through the collaborative efforts of operatives enforcing government fiscal policies.
The items intercepted included 36,435 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in 1,194 jerrycans, two drums of PMS, and 115 jerrycans of AGO of various capacities
The items were allegedly destined for smuggling out of the country.
The operations were carried out in known smuggling flashpoints, including Likitatba–Gembu, Mubi–Sahuda, Malabu–Belel, Girei–Wuro Bokki, Ganye–Toungo, and Damare/Gurin–Fufore.
The seized petroleum products will be auctioned to the public in line with the Standard Operating Procedure, with proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.
In addition, the Command handed over eight drums (200 litres each) and 35 jerrycans (25 litres each) of dichloromethane, popularly known as “suck and die,” to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.
The chemicals are classified as dangerous and illegal.
The Controller also condemned recent mob attacks on Customs operatives, warning that such acts will be met with the “full weight of the law.”
Bashir stressed that attacking security personnel invites insecurity, insurgency, and economic decline.
“This fight is against illicit traders and economic saboteurs. Genuine traders and legitimate petroleum marketers can go about their business without fear of intimidation,” he assured.
The Command expressed gratitude to sister agencies and other Customs units for their collaboration, especially in intelligence sharing, which has strengthened border security and helped protect the economy.
Mercy Chukwudiebere