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CUSTOMS SEIZES N98.3M WORTH OF SMUGGLED GOODS IN ADAMAWA AND TARABA, VOWS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ILLICIT TRADE
By prince Benson Davies
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, has recorded major breakthroughs in its anti-smuggling operations, intercepting contraband goods valued at ₦98,375,000 within a six week period.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Muhammed Tarko, disclosed this during a press conference held on April 15, 2026, at the Customs House in Yola. He said the seizures were made through intelligence led operations across various locations within the command’s area of responsibility.
According to Comptroller Tarko, the intercepted items included petroleum products, secondhand clothing, donkey derivatives and unregistered pharmaceutical products. Among the notable interceptions were 43 jumbo sacks of secondhand clothing, as well as cartons and packages of Viagra tablets seized along the Savannah to Numan axis.
The Command also recorded the seizure of 509 pieces of raw donkey skin and 460 kilograms of dried donkey meat along the Mubi to Sangere axis. In addition, large quantities of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were intercepted at different locations within the Command’s jurisdiction.
“In total, we intercepted 1,288 jerrycans and three drums containing approximately 32,860 litres of PMS, alongside 2,800 litres of AGO. These seizures are a testament to our unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and protecting the nation’s economy,” the Comptroller stated.
Comptroller Tarko emphasised that the operations were carried out in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Sections 150, 245 and 246, as well as the Export Prohibition List under the Common External Tariff (CET). He warned that smuggling of petroleum products, wildlife and unregistered medicaments poses serious threats to national security, public health and economic stability.
“There will be zero tolerance for smuggling. Offenders will face seizure of goods, arrest and prosecution without exception,” he warned.
The CAC also called on individuals involved in illicit trade to desist and embrace legitimate business activities. He noted that the Service remains committed to facilitating lawful trade while enforcing compliance with fiscal and regulatory policies.
