Nigeria Customs Service, Adamawa/Taraba Command, Intensifies Anti-Smuggling War, Seizes N58 Million Contraband

The Nigeria Customs Service, Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, has announced a major breakthrough in its fight against smuggling, intercepting over 50,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a cache of secondhand clothing with a total value of Fifty-Eight Million, One Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty Naira (N58,117,550.00).

The Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Aminu Tako, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Customs House in Yola on Tuesday, detailing a series of successful intelligence-driven operations conducted between December 2025 and January 2026.

According to Comptroller Tako, the command’s operatives, acting on credible intelligence, executed covert operations across various axes within the command’s area of responsibility.

In total, the command confiscated 1,868 jerry cans and one drum of PMS, amounting to approximately 50,495 litres, alongside the banned secondhand clothing.

Comptroller Tako emphasized that the operations were carried out in strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, specifically citing sections 150, 245, and 246, which empower the Service to prevent the illegal exportation of PMS and to detain, seize, and condemn smuggled goods.

He warned economic saboteurs, that “The Service has intensified intelligence-led operations across all routes and border communities, adding that the Customs Service will continue to safeguard national economic interest and ensure compliance with extant laws. Any person found engaging in smuggling or aiding and abetting such acts will face the full weight of the law without compromise.”

He expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Management Team for their strategic leadership, while acknowledging the collaborative efforts of sister security agencies and commended the officers of the command for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication.

The Controller further appreciated the media for their role in promoting transparency and public enlightenment, urging continued support in the national campaign against smuggling.