Customs intercepts N104.45m worth of smuggled goods in one month

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, has announced significant progress in its anti-smuggling campaign, with the recent interception of contraband items valued at N104.45 million within one month period.

This was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Garba Bashir, during a press conference held on Tuesday, at the Command Headquarters in Yola, Adamawa State.

Comptroller Bashir highlighted that the seizures underscore the Command’s relentless drive to safeguard national and energy security, promote economic growth, and ensure trade facilitation, in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

He further stated that the Command seized 36,835 litres of petrol, packed in 1,219 jerry cans and 24 drums, which were being smuggled to neighbouring countries. Other interceptions are 101 pieces of raw donkey skin, concealed in seven sacks, destined for illegal export.

“The illegal trade in donkey hides threatens the extinction of the animal, which plays a vital role in rural transportation and agriculture,” the CAC stated. He emphasised that the smuggling of raw hides contravenes Schedule Six of the Common External Tariff, as well as Section 150 of the NCS Act, 2023.

“The seizures were made at various strategic locations, including Mubi-ahuda Road, Girei-Wuro Boki axis, Maiha Road, Bakin Kogi, Belel–Farang axis, and Apawa–Jalingo, among others. Some of the confiscated PMS had already been auctioned to the public in accordance with NCS procedures, and the remaining would be auctioned immediately after the briefing due to its inflammable nature, with proceeds remitted to the Federation Account,” he remarked.

Comptroller Bashir noted that the Command’s operatives have been repositioned across all border frontiers, undeterred by threats, assaults, and harassment from economic saboteurs. He stressed that the anti-smuggling operations would continue lawfully and tirelessly until illegal traders are brought to justice.

He also commended the press for their advocacy and urged for continued public enlightenment to   support legitimate trade. “This fight is not against genuine traders, but against those sabotaging our economy through illicit activities,” he clarified.

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