Customs intercepts petroleum products, drugs, other items worth N112m in Adamawa, Taraba

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations, intercepting petroleum products and other contraband items valued at over N112 million within two months.

The Area Comptroller, Bashir Garuba, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Customs House, Yola, Adamawa State, while presenting the command’s performance report, as he described the achievement as a testament to the dedication of officers in combating economic sabotage and protecting national interests.

“In just six grueling weeks, the command’s eagle-eyed officers made 29 seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N112,590,000. These efforts are not just statistics; they are victories for Nigeria’s economy, health and security,” Bashir said.

He said that the seizures were made across several notorious smuggling routes, including the Mubi–Sahuda axis, Girei–Wuro Bokki stretch, Jamtari–Farang/Belel corridor and the Damare riverbank, as well as Gurin–Fufore and Yerima road in Gembu, spanning both Adamawa and Taraba states.

Among the seized items were 20,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) packed in 824 jerry cans, 91 cartons of expired 50mg Tramadol capsules, 54 cartons of prohibited foreign soaps, and 64 pieces of donkey skins concealed in sacks and destined for export to Cameroon.

The fake drugs, according to Garuba, were handed over to NAFDAC for destruction in line with Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The Comptroller explained that the interception of the donkey hides—prohibited under Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff and Section 150 of the NCS Act—saved endangered animals from further slaughter, while the seizure of expired drugs prevented a potential public health crisis.

Garuba commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their guidance and support, acknowledging the collaboration of sister security agencies and the media in helping the command achieve its mandate.