Customs Intercepts ₦98.3m Smuggled PMS, Other Contraband In Adamawa, Taraba
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled petroleum products, donkey skins, and other contraband with a Duty Paid Value of ₦98.375 million across Adamawa and Taraba states within six weeks.
The Area Controller, Assistant Comptroller General Aminu Tako, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Wednesday, attributing the seizures to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing smuggling and protecting the nation’s economy.
Border communities in Adamawa and Taraba states have long been identified as major smuggling routes due to their proximity to international borders and difficult terrain.
In recent years, the NCS has intensified surveillance and enforcement to curb the illegal movement of petroleum products to neighbouring countries, where they are often sold for higher profits.
According to Tako, on February 26, 2026, at about 1310hrs, officers intercepted 43 jumbo sacks of second-hand clothing, as well as five cartons and 12 packages of Viagra 200mg tablets along the Savannah-Numan axis,
He added that on March 12, operatives seized 509 pieces of raw donkey skins and 460kg of dried donkey meat along the Mubi-Sangere axis. On March 13, officers intercepted 110 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), each containing 25 litres, along the Likitaba-Gembu axis in Taraba State.
Further seizures included 520 jerrycans of PMS and 112 jerrycans of Automotive Gas Oil along the Mubi-Sahuda axis on March 15, as well as 482 jerrycans of PMS along the Maiha-Belel axis on March 17. The latest interception occurred on April 11, when officers seized 176 jerrycans and three 220-litre drums of PMS along the Toungo-Ganye axis.
“In total, 1,288 jerrycans and three drums containing approximately 32,860 litres of PMS, alongside 2,800 litres of AGO and other items listed, were seized,” Tako stated, adding that the total value stood at ₦98,375,325.
He explained that the operations were carried out in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the Service to prevent illegal exportation and confiscate smuggled goods.
He warned that smuggling of petroleum products, wildlife, and unregistered pharmaceuticals poses serious threats to national security, public health, and economic stability, stressing that offenders would face arrest and prosecution.
Tako urged those involved in illicit trade to embrace legitimate business, while reaffirming the Service’s commitment to facilitating lawful trade and dismantling smuggling networks.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and other security agencies for their support.
