Adamawa/Taraba Customs Condemn Attack on Officials, Vow to Intensify Anti-Smuggling Operations
By Gift Wada
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Adamawa/Taraba Area Command has strongly condemned a recent mob attack on its operatives in Adamawa State, warning that such acts will not deter officers from performing their statutory duties.
Addressing a press conference in Yola on Monday, 11 August 2025, the Area Controller, Comptroller Garba Bashir, described the incident as “alarming” and reaffirmed the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi’s position that assaults on personnel by smugglers and economic saboteurs will be met with the full weight of the law.
“The attack will not deter us from discharging our duties. Smugglers are warned to avoid such dastardly acts or face the consequences. We will ensure they find no breathing space in Adamawa and Taraba States,” Comptroller Bashir said.
Within three weeks, the Command recorded 28 seizures worth ₦33.99 million in duty-paid value, including 36,435 litres of petroleum products and industrial chemicals such as dichloromethane, intercepted at several smuggling flashpoints. According to Bashir, the seized chemicals commonly known as “suck and die”—were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.
He stressed that the Command remains committed to reinforcing national security, protecting domestic industries, and facilitating legitimate trade. He urged genuine traders and petroleum marketers to continue their lawful activities without fear of intimidation.
“This fight is against illicit traders and economic saboteurs. We will not allow them to undermine the nation’s economy for selfish gain while citizens suffer,” he added.
The Area Controller also appreciated sister security agencies’ support in intelligence sharing and joint operations.
