The Adamawa/Taraba Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against smuggling, announcing the interception of contraband items with a Duty Paid Value of about N98 million within six weeks.
The Comptroller of the Command, Mohammed Mato, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
He said the seizures, made between February and April 2026, included second-hand clothing, raw donkey skin, dried donkey meat, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
Providing a breakdown, Mato explained that on February 13, 2026, operatives acting on intelligence intercepted 43 jumbo sacks of second-hand clothing, alongside five cartons and 12 packages of Viagra 200mg tablets along the Savannah–Nunan road.
He further stated that on March 12, along the Mubi–Sangere axis, officers seized 500 pieces of raw donkey skin and 460 kilograms of dried donkey meat.
According to him, on March 13, along the Likitaba–Gembu axis in Taraba State, operatives intercepted 110 jerricans of PMS, each with a capacity of 25 litres.
“In addition, 520 jerricans of 25 litres each of PMS and 112 jerricans of Automotive Gas Oil were seized on March 15 along the Mubi–Saguda road,” he added.
Mato also revealed that on April 11, 2026, 176 jerricans of PMS were intercepted along the Ganye–Toungo federal highway near the Cameroon border.
The Comptroller said the operations were carried out in line with relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Act, 2023, which empowers the Service to prevent the unlawful export of restricted items, including petroleum products and wildlife derivatives.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to curbing smuggling activities, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Mato also advised those involved in illicit trade to embrace legitimate business ventures, noting that smuggling undermines the nation’s economy and security.
