The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on smuggling, recording seizures of contraband items with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦362 million within six weeks.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Abdullahi Tako, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference held at the Customs House in Yola, where he presented the command’s anti-smuggling activities and operational achievements.

According to the Comptroller, the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations conducted across strategic locations in Adamawa and Taraba states as part of efforts to protect the nation’s economy and curb illicit trade.

Among the major interceptions was a DAF low-bed trailer carrying a Sanny motor grader allegedly being illegally exported to the Republic of Chad. According to the customs boss, the seizure was made on June 9 along the Gudusu-Belal route leading to Cameroon.

The command also intercepted large quantities of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, during several operations across border communities.

Comptroller Tako disclosed that 370 jerrycans of PMS were seized along the Goshindan-Belal axis on June 18, while another 308 jerrycans and 64 pieces of raw donkey skin were intercepted along the Mubi-Sahuda route on June 29.

According to him, further seizures included 181 jerrycans of PMS at the Pariya-Wuro Bokki axis on July 2, and 144 jerrycans alongside a 220-litre drum of PMS at Maiha-Wuro Alhaji on July 15.

The Customs boss also revealed that operatives intercepted nine kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Indian hemp, along the Gurin-Turrah axis on July 21.

In what he described as one of the most significant wildlife-related seizures, Tako said officers intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus conveying 220 kilograms of pangolin scales packed in three sacks, 48 pieces of ivory tusks weighing 74 kilograms concealed in two sacks, and 534.55 kilograms of dried donkey meat along the Yola-Numan Road on July 23.

He noted that the command also recovered a total of 64 pieces of complete raw donkey skin during the operations.

Providing an overview of the seizures, the Comptroller said the command confiscated a total of 25,295 litres of PMS contained in 1,003 jerrycans and one drum, nine kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, 74 kilograms of ivory tusks, 220 kilograms of pangolin scales, donkey skins, dried donkey meat, and three vehicles, including a DAF truck, a Sanny motor grader, and a Toyota Hiace bus.

He added that five suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and are currently undergoing investigation ahead of prosecution.

Comptroller Tako explained that the operations were carried out in line with relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the Common External Tariff Export Prohibition List and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

He warned that smuggling of petroleum products, endangered wildlife species and illicit drugs poses serious threats to national security, public health and economic stability.

The Customs Area Controller reiterated the service’s zero-tolerance stance against smuggling, warning economic saboteurs to abandon illegal activities and embrace legitimate trade.

He also announced that the seized donkey skins would be destroyed in collaboration with relevant agencies in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Tako commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, sister security agencies, officers of the command and the media for their support and collaboration in the fight against smuggling.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and facilitating lawful trade in Adamawa and Taraba states. (Channels TV)