By Emmanuel Kwada
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command has recorded significant interceptions of smuggled goods worth over N98 million in just six weeks, as part of intensified efforts to curb illicit trade and protect the national economy.
Addressing journalists at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Customs House in Yola, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller MA Tako psc, disclosed that operatives of the Command carried out several intelligence-led operations across different locations within the area of responsibility, resulting in the seizure of various prohibited and smuggled items.
The seizures include 43 jumbo sacks of secondhand clothing and 5 cartons plus 12 packages of unregistered Viagra 200mg tablets intercepted on Tuesday, 26th February 2026, along the Savannah-Numan axis.
On Thursday, 12th March 2026, along the Mubi-Sangere axis, officers seized 509 pieces of raw complete donkey skin and 460kg of dried donkey meat.
Further operations led to the interception of 110 jerry cans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on Friday, 13th March 2026, along the Likitaba-Gembu axis in Taraba State.
On Sunday, 15th March 2026, along the Mubi-Sahuda axis, operatives recovered 520 jerry cans of 25 litres PMS and 112 jerry cans of 25 litres Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Another 482 jerry cans of 25 litres PMS were seized on Tuesday, 17th March 2026, along the Mahia-Belel axis, while on Monday, 11th April 2026, along the Toungo-Ganye axis, officers intercepted 176 jerry cans of 25 litres and 3 drums of 220 litres PMS.
In total, the Command seized 1,288 jerry cans and 3 drums containing approximately 32,860 litres of PMS, alongside 2,800 litres of AGO packed in 112 jerry cans, in addition to the secondhand clothing, raw donkey skins, dried donkey meat, and unregistered medicaments. The aggregate Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items stands at N98,375,325.00.
Comptroller Tako stated that the operations were conducted in line with Sections 150, 245, and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as the Export Prohibition List under the Common External Tariff.
He emphasised that Section 150 specifically empowers the Service to prevent the illegal exportation of petroleum products, raw donkey skins, and meat, while Sections 245 and 246 provide for the detention, seizure, and forfeiture of smuggled goods.
“The smuggling of petroleum products, wildlife products, and unregistered pharmaceuticals undermines national security, public health, and economic stability,” Comptroller Tako declared.
“There will be zero tolerance for such illegal acts. Offenders will face seizure of goods, arrest, and prosecution without exception.”
He issued a stern warning to smugglers and economic saboteurs, urging them to abandon illicit trade and embrace legitimate business, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to facilitating lawful trade and cracking down on smuggling cartels within the bounds of the law.
The Area Controller expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, PSC (+), and the entire management team for their unwavering support and visionary leadership.
He also commended the collaborative efforts of sister security agencies, whose synergy has contributed significantly to the Command’s operational successes.
Comptroller Tako particularly applauded the officers of the Command, especially the seizing teams, for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication to duty. He equally appreciated the media for their continued partnership in promoting transparency and public awareness.
The press conference ended with cheers of “Long live Nigeria Customs Service, long live Adamawa and Taraba States, and long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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