By Tony NZEKWE
In accordance with the tripod policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, Phd, hinged on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation aimed to boost revenue generation, suppress smuggling activities and create robust synergies in trade facilitation; the Adamawa/ Taraba Customs Area Command, has intercepted Premium Motor Spirits and Second hand clothing worth over ₦58.117 Million.
This information was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, CAC, Comptroller Muhammad Aminu Tako, in a chat with newsmen in Yola.
Compt. Tako, said, “The Command has made seizures of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and secondhand clothing in accordance with our statutory responsibilities to curb smuggling and protect the Nigerian economy.”
He added, “During separate intelligence covert operations conducted on different locations and dates within our Area of responsibility, Officers and men of the Command recorded the following seizures:i. On Friday 12 December, 2025 at about 0245hrs, Officers intercepted 410 Jerry Cans of PMS conveyed in 25 litres and 30 litres each along Mubi-Sahuda axis.”
Compt.Tako asserted, “On Tuesday 16th December,2025 at about 0415hrs along Daware-Fufore axis,362 Jerry Cans of 25 litres each of PMS wereseized.iii. Furthermore, on Wednesday 31st December, 2025 at aout2310hrs,Operatives along Fufore-Gurin axis seized 330 Jerry Cans ofPMS in 25 litres each.”
In the same vein, the CAC posited, “10 bales and 2 sacks of secondhand clothing were seized on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025 at about 0210hrs along Mubi-Sahuda axis.”
Additionally, the CAC affirmed that, “141 Jerry cans of 25 litres each and one drum of 220Litres of PMS were seized on Monday 5th January, 2026 at about 0128hrs at Wuro Bokki.”
Adding, “on Saturday 10th January, 2026, at about 2300hrs, officers ofthe Command intercepted one used 911 Mercedes Benz Truck loadedwith 625 Jerry Cans of PMS in 30 litres each along Ndaforo-Abong axisof Taraba state.In total 1,868 Jerry Cans and one drum containing approximately 50,495 litres of PMS alongside 10 bales and 2 sacks of secondhandclothing were seized with aggregate Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N58,117,550.00(Fifty-eight Million, one hundred and seventeen thousand, Five hundred and fifty naira only). ”
His words: “All these seizures were effected in line with the provisions of sections150,245 and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act,2023, which empowers the service to prevent the illegal exportation of PMS out of the Country under section 150 of Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.Section 245 gives officers the powers to detain, seize and condemn smuggled goods while section 246 deals with forfeiture of smuggled goods, including Petroleum Products moved contrary to extant laws.”
The CAC warned that smugglers should stay clear from Adamawa/ Taraba area command for it’s No- Go- Area.
His words: “The Nigeria Customs Service issues a final warning to all smugglers and their collaborators to desist from illegal activities. The Service has intensified intelligence-led operations across all routes and border communities.The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to safeguard national economic interest and ensure compliance with extant laws. Any person found engaging in smuggling or aiding and abetting such act will face the full weight of the law without compromise.”
He added, “The command expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, Phd,PSC (+)and the entire management team for their strategic leadership and unwavering support. We also acknowledge the effective collaboration of Sister Security agencies whose synergy continuous to enhance our operational success. Special commendation is extended to the Officers of the Command, particularly the seizing officers for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication to duty.”
“The Nigeria Customs Service further appreciates the Media for their continuous support and objective reportage in promoting transparency and public enlightenment.”
