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By Billy Graham Abel, Yola
The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reinforced its fight against smuggling, making significant seizures and exceeding its revenue targets.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Customs House in Yola, the Area Comptroller, Adamawa/Taraba Command, Gambo Bature Bashir, detailed the command’s achievements over the period under review, emphasising its commitment to eradicating illegal trade practices and safeguarding the national economy.
Addressing reporters, Gambo Bashir highlighted the success of its recent operations, attributing the accomplishments to diligence, intelligence-sharing, and unwavering efforts by its operatives. These intensified anti-smuggling activities have led to numerous interceptions, all in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Among the notable seizures during the reporting period were:
- 29,825 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in 1,149 jerry cans and four 220-litre drums, intended for smuggling out of the country.
- Three vehicles and one motorcycle used as means of conveyance for the smuggled PMS, including a car with a hidden compartment packed with fuel destined for Cameroon.
- Eleven bales of second-hand clothing, a prohibited item under customs regulations.
- Eight 200-litre drums and thirty-five 25-litre jerry cans of Methylene Chloride (popularly known as “Suck and Die”), a highly hazardous substance often linked to illicit activities.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seized items stands at ₦51,947,500.00. Notably, the confiscated PMS will be auctioned to the public immediately, in adherence to the standard operating procedures due to its inflammable nature.
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Despite the official closure of territorial borders in the Command’s jurisdiction, the enforcement unit has continued to make strides in revenue generation. For the year 2024, the Command collected ₦173,609,941.31, surpassing its target of ₦132 million by ₦41,609,941.31—a remarkable 23.97% increase.
This revenue was primarily generated through the auction sales of seized goods, under Section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The Command attributed its success to the support of the Nigeria Customs Service management under the leadership of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and collaboration with various units, including the Federal Operations Unit (FOU ‘D’), Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), Surveillance and Investigation Services (SIS), and other security agencies.
The Customs Service reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating all forms of smuggling and dismantling illicit trade networks. The Command also called for greater collaboration with legitimate traders, oil marketers, and patriotic Nigerians to eradicate smuggling and secure the nation’s economic interests.
“As we continue our anti-smuggling drive, we urge the public and the press to work with us in ensuring that our borders remain protected and economic sabotage is curbed,” the Command stated. “Together, we will defeat this menace that has plagued our economy for far too long.”
With continued vigilance and cooperation, the Nigeria Customs Service remains steadfast in its mission to facilitate legitimate trade while suppressing smuggling activities that undermine national development.
