Customs foils smuggling attempts, Seizes PMS worth over 33 million in Adamawa 

By Yagana Ali Yola 

The Adamawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced significant achievements in its anti-smuggling operations, seizing petroleum products worth N33,994,900 in Duty Paid Value (DPV). 

The seizures, made within three weeks, included 36,435 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), packed in 1,194 jerry cans and two drums.

The Command also confiscated 8x200L drums and 35x25L jerry cans of dichloromethane, a hazardous chemical known as “suck and die,” which will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.

The seizures occurred across key smuggling routes, including Likitatba-Gembu, Mubi-Sahuda, Malabu-Belel, Girei-Wuro Bokki, Ganye-Toungo, and Damare/Gurin-Fufore axes. 

Comptroller GB Bashir, the Command’s leader, emphasized that these efforts align with the NCS Act 2023, aimed at enforcing government fiscal policies and protecting domestic industries.

Bashir warned that smugglers and economic saboteurs will face the full weight of the law, citing a stern warning from the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR. 

The seized petroleum products will be auctioned to the public, with proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.

The Command’s success stems from coordinated border management, advanced technology, and robust inter-agency collaboration. 

Bashir expressed gratitude to sister agencies and other NCS units for their intelligence-sharing and support, crediting the leadership of Comptroller General Adeniyi for providing the necessary logistics to execute these operations effectively.

As the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command intensifies its crackdown on smuggling, Comptroller Bashir called on the public to support law enforcement efforts, warning that undermining these operations invites greater national challenges. 

The Command pledged to sustain its fight against economic saboteurs, ensuring that smugglers find no respite in Adamawa, Taraba, or across Nigeria.