Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted contraband items worth N104.4 million within a four-week period, as part of intensified efforts to combat smuggling in the region.
Area Comptroller Garba Bashir, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Yola, said the seizures include 36,835 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in 1,219 jerry cans and 24 drums, as well as 101 pieces of raw donkey skin packed in seven sacks, intended for illegal export.
Bashir raised alarm over the increasing threat of wildlife trafficking, particularly the illegal slaughter of donkeys. He warned that the continued exploitation of donkeys, which are vital to agriculture and rural livelihoods, could drive the species toward extinction.
He also described the export of raw hides as a violation of Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff and Section 150 of the NCS Act, 2023, emphasizing the economic, environmental, and legal consequences of such activities.
Read also:
- Customs seize ₦72.6m contraband in Adamawa
- Customs seizes 1,149 jerricans of smuggled PMS in Taraba
- Customs begin prosecution of 2 notorious smugglers in Adamawa
The seizures, he said, were made at several strategic points including Mubi-Sahuda Road, Girei-Wuro Boki axis, Maiha Road, Belel-Farang, Gurin-Fufore axis, Apawa-Jalingo, and Gembu.
According to Bashir, some of the seized PMS will be auctioned in accordance with Customs procedures, with the proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.
Despite facing threats, assaults, and harassment from smugglers, the Command remains undeterred in its mission to protect national economic interests.
“We will not be intimidated. We are determined to dismantle smuggling networks and enforce the law,” he stated.
The Comptroller urged smugglers to embrace legitimate business ventures and called on the public and media to support the anti-smuggling campaign by raising awareness about the dangers of illicit trade.
