Adamawa/Taraba Customs Intensifies Anti-smuggling Operations Against Fuel Smugglers
Author: Gift Wada.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations against smugglers who want to perpetuate the illegal exportation of petroleum products to neighbouring Cameroon.
During a press briefing at the Customs House in Yola on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Garba Bashir, highlighted the command’s recent successes in intercepting large quantities of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) destined for illicit cross-border trade.
“In Adamawa and Taraba states, smugglers will not have fresh air. We will continue to strangle and suffocate them until smuggling is completely purged from these states,” he said.
According to him, the command’s latest operations recorded multiple seizures, including A Toyota Corolla loaded with PMS that was intercepted at the Fufore-Gurin axis while attempting to cross the border. “Officers stormed the Jimeta waterside (Bakin Kogi) at about 3:30 AM and discovered 240 drums (220 litres each) of PMS arranged for illegal ferrying across the River Benue to Cameroon and the seizure of 425 jerry cans (25 litres each) of PMS at Fufore-Gurin axis,” he stated.
The CAC said that the command recorded six successful seizures within ten days, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦72,621,500. The confiscated items include 70,175 litres of PMS packed in 240 drums, 695 jerry cans, and a used Toyota Corolla used for smuggling activities.
Comptroller Bashir attributed these achievements to the dedication of customs operatives, enhanced intelligence gathering, and support from security agencies, including the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) and the Federal Operations Unit (FOU ‘D’).
Issuing a stern warning to economic saboteurs, Bashir urged smugglers to abandon illicit trade and embrace legitimate business, emphasising that the Customs Service remains relentless in its fight against smuggling.
“To the smugglers, I encourage you to forsake illicit trade and embrace genuine business. We will continue to crack down on smuggling cartels to ensure Nigeria’s economy breathes fresh air,” he stated.
Comptroller Bashir also called on patriotic Nigerians to report suspicious smuggling activities and urged the media to continue advocating against smuggling.
