Customs Seize Smuggled Goods Worth N98.3m in Adamawa, Taraba

Customs Seize Smuggled Goods Worth N98.3m in Adamawa, Taraba

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, have intercepted smuggled petroleum products and other contraband items valued at over N98.3 million across parts of the two states.

The disclosure was made by the Area Comptroller, Mohammed Tanko, during a press briefing in Yola on Wednesday.

According to him, the seizures included 32,860 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stored in 1,288 jerrycans, each with a capacity of 25 litres, as well as 2,800 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) contained in 112 jerrycans. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the confiscated items was put at N98,375,325.

Tanko noted that the operation was driven by actionable intelligence and carried out across multiple locations within the command’s jurisdiction.

He further revealed that, within the past six weeks, the command also intercepted other prohibited items such as second-hand clothing, raw donkey skin, dried donkey meat, and unregistered pharmaceutical products. These items were allegedly being smuggled through border routes into Cameroon.

The seizures were made in areas including Likitaba-Gembu in Taraba State, as well as the Maiha–Bellel road and Sahuda border axis in Mubi, Adamawa State.

Providing more details, Tanko said:

“In total, 1,288 jerrycans and three drums containing about 32,860 litres of PMS, alongside 2,800 litres of AGO in 112 jerrycans, were seized, along with other prohibited items, with a combined DPV of over N98.3 million.”

He added that the operations were conducted in line with relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the agency to prevent illegal exportation of restricted goods.

The comptroller warned smugglers and economic saboteurs to desist from illicit trade, urging them instead to embrace legitimate business activities.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to facilitating lawful trade while taking decisive action against smuggling networks within the ambit of the law,” he stated.