From Umar Dankano, Yola
The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized smuggled petroleum products worth N39.9 million in Adamawa State.
According to Comptroller Garba Bature Bashir, the command has recorded 17 seizures of various items with a total duty paid value (DPV) of N36.9 million.
The seized items include 43,935 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS) packaged in 1,071 x 25 litres jerry cans and 85 x 200 litres drums.
The command also intercepted a tricycle and two used vehicles with hidden compartments used for illegal conveyance of petroleum products.
Comptroller Bashir disclosed that on June 29, 2024, operatives of the command intercepted 85 drums of PMS from smugglers who were attempting to ferry the product illegally to the Republic of Cameroon.
He added that on July 6, 2024, another 795 litres of PMS concealed in 25 litres jerry cans were seized in a bush path at Sahuda border in Mubi South local government area, Adamawa State, heading to neighbouring Cameroon Republic.
The comptroller warned smugglers to desist from their illegal activities, stating that the command has repositioned its machinery in collaboration with other sister agencies for effective border management.
He denied allegations that some customs officers are conniving with smugglers, vowing that any smuggling activity will not be tolerated.
“The command has repositioned all its machineries across its area of operation in collaboration with other sister agencies for effective border management”
“We want to make it clear to the smugglers that we will counter every move they make, and we will not relent in this anti-smuggling crusade until we bring smuggling activities to ground zero in Adamawa and Taraba states” Comptroller Bashir said.
He appealed to the general public to support the command’s efforts and report any suspicious activities promptly, noting that the fight against smuggling is not a one-man business.
“We urge you to support our efforts and report any suspicious activities timely as this fight is not one-man business,” he added.
