‎Customs seizes over 50,000 litres of PMS worth N58m in Adamawa/Taraba

By Tgnews Reporter

‎The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, has intensified its crackdown on cross-border smuggling, announcing the seizure of approximately 50,495 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and banned secondhand clothing in a series of intelligence-led operations spanning late December 2025 to early January 2026.

‎Comptroller MA Tako psc, the Customs Area Controller, disclosed the breakthroughs during a press conference held today at Customs House in Yola.  

‎The seizures, he said, were carried out across notorious smuggling routes in Adamawa and Taraba States, aimed at preventing the illegal exportation of subsidized petroleum products to neighboring countries.

‎Key interceptions detailed by Comptroller Tako include several significant seizures: on December 12, 2025, around 2:45 AM, 410 jerry cans (25-30 litres each) of PMS were seized along the Mubi-Sahuda axis; on December 16, 2025, around 4:15 AM, 362 jerry cans (25 litres each) of PMS were seized along the Daware-Fufore axis; on December 31, 2025, around 11:10 PM, 330 jerry cans (25 litres each) of PMS were seized along the Fufore-Gurin axis; also on December 31, 2025, around 2:10 AM, 10 bales and 2 sacks of secondhand clothing were seized along the Mubi-Sahuda axis; on January 5, 2026, around 1:28 AM, 141 jerry cans (25 litres each) and one 220-litre drum of PMS were seized at Wuro Bokki; and on January 10, 2026, around 11 PM, a used 911 Mercedes Benz truck loaded with 625 jerry cans (30 litres each) of PMS was seized along the Ndaforo-Abong axis in Taraba State.

‎In total, operatives recovered 1,868 jerry cans and one drum of PMS—equating to roughly 50,495 litres alongside the prohibited bales of used clothing.

‎The aggregate Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items stands at N58,117,550 (Fifty-eight Million, One Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty Naira only).

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‎Comptroller Tako emphasized that all actions were in strict compliance with Sections 150, 245, and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

‎Section 150 prohibits the illegal exportation of PMS, while Sections 245 and 246 empower officers to detain, seize, and forfeit smuggled goods, including petroleum products transported in violation of extant regulations.

‎Issuing a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators, the Area Controller declared: “The Nigeria Customs Service issues a final warning to all smugglers and their collaborators to desist from these illegal activities. We have intensified intelligence-led operations across all routes and border communities. Any person found engaging in smuggling or aiding and abetting such acts will face the full weight of the law without compromise.”

‎He commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, PSC (+), and the NCS management team for their strategic leadership and support.

‎Comptroller Tako also acknowledged the vital collaboration with sister security agencies, which has bolstered operational successes, and praised the professionalism, vigilance, and dedication of the Command’s officers—particularly those involved in the seizures.

‎The press conference highlighted the ongoing threat posed by fuel smuggling, which undermines Nigeria’s energy security, deprives the nation of revenue, and fuels economic sabotage through diversion to neighboring markets. Comptroller Tako extended appreciation to the media for their objective reportage and role in promoting transparency and public awareness.

‎The Adamawa/Taraba Command, under Comptroller Tako’s leadership since late 2025, continues to demonstrate resolve in safeguarding national economic interests amid persistent smuggling challenges in the region’s porous border areas.

‎Long live the Nigeria Customs Service.

‎Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.