The Nigeria Customs Service has seized smuggled petroleum products, donkey skins, and other contraband valued at ₦98.3 million in Adamawa and Taraba States in a six-week period.
Customs Area Controller, Assistant Comptroller-General Aminu Tako, disclosed this on Wednesday, while briefing journalists, attributing the success to sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing smuggling and protecting the economy.
According to him, the seizures were recorded at multiple locations across the two states.
He revealed that on February 26, 2026, officers intercepted 43 jumbo sacks of second-hand clothing, alongside five cartons and 12 packages of Viagra tablets along the Savannah Sugar Company–Numan axis.
Tako further stated that on March 12, operatives seized 509 pieces of raw donkey skins and 460 kilograms of dried donkey meat along the Mubi–Sangere route.
He added that on March 13, officers intercepted 110 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), each containing 25 litres, along the Likitaba–Gembu axis in Taraba State.
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Subsequent operations led to the seizure of 520 jerrycans of PMS and 112 jerrycans of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along the Mubi–Sahuda axis on March 15, as well as 482 jerrycans of PMS along the Maiha–Belel route on March 17.
The most recent interception occurred on April 11, when officers recovered 176 jerrycans and three 220-litre drums of PMS along the Toungo–Ganye axis.
“In total, 1,288 jerrycans and three drums containing approximately 32,860 litres of PMS, alongside 2,800 litres of AGO and other items, were seized with a duty paid value of ₦98,375,325,” Tako said.
He noted that the operations were carried out in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the agency to prevent illegal exportation and confiscate smuggled goods.
The area controller warned that the smuggling of petroleum products, wildlife, and unregistered pharmaceuticals poses significant risks to national security, public health, and economic stability.
“There will be zero tolerance for such illegal activities. Offenders will face seizure, arrest, and prosecution without exception,” he said.
Tako urged those involved in illicit trade to embrace legitimate business, reiterating the service’s commitment to facilitating lawful commerce while dismantling smuggling networks.
