By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh In line with the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Adam...
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By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh
In line with the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized smuggled goods valued at ₦104,456,550 across Adamawa and Taraba states.
The seizures, made over four weeks, were unveiled during a press briefing held Tuesday in Yola by the Area Controller, Comptroller Bashir Garba Bature, who reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and economic sabotage.
Among the intercepted items were 36,835 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) packed in 1,219 jerry cans and 24 drums, allegedly destined for smuggling across Nigeria’s border into a neighboring country.
“We will not relent in this fight against economic saboteurs until they are suffocated and crippled,” Comptroller Bature declared.
The Command also intercepted 101 pieces of raw donkey skin, concealed in seven sacks, representing the illegal slaughter of 101 donkeys. The Controller stressed that the export of donkey skins is a violation of Schedule Six of the Common External Tariff and Section 150 of the NCS Act, 2023, warning that such activities threaten biodiversity and the nation’s economy.
The seizures occurred in several strategic locations, including the Mubi-Sahuda Road, Girei-Wuro Boki Axis, Maiha Road, Bakin Kogi, Belel-Farang Axis, Gurin-Fufore Axis, and Apawa-Jalingo Axis.
Due to the inflammable nature of the seized PMS, part of the consignment has already been auctioned to the public in accordance with the provisions of the NCS Act, 2023. The remaining quantity will be auctioned following the press briefing, with proceeds to be remitted to the Federation Account.
Comptroller Bature revealed that despite threats and harassment from smugglers, his officers remain resolute in their duties. He urged smugglers and their collaborators to desist and embrace legitimate trade.
The Controller credited the Command’s success to intelligence-driven operations, the use of modern technology, and synergy with other Customs units and sister security agencies including FOU ‘D’, CIU, SIS, among others.
He also appealed to the media for continued cooperation through responsible and patriotic journalism, and called on well-meaning Nigerians and law-abiding traders to join hands with the Customs in the fight against illegal trade.
“This is a collective effort to protect our economy and security,” Bature emphasized, reaffirming the NCS's dual role as a trade facilitator and a staunch opponent of smuggling.
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