Customs intercept Illicit Drug worth over N29m, fuel in 2 weeks 

By Yagana Ali Yola.

The Nigerian custom service has made a significant seizure of petroleum products, donkey skin , donkey meat and 6 catone of tramadol Worth a duty paid valued of over 29 million naira in Adamawa and Taraba state in two weeks.

While Addressing journalists, the Customs Area Controller of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Comptroller MA Tako, spoke not just as an official, but as someone deeply concerned about the growing threats smuggling poses to Nigeria’s economy, security, and public health.

Controller Tako , expressed appreciation to the journalist for their continued role in keeping the public informed.

 He explained that the briefing was necessary to shed light on a series of recent anti-smuggling operations carried out over the past six weeks—operations that revealed the scale and persistence of illegal trade in the region.

According to him, the seizures were the result of carefully coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts across multiple border routes and flashpoints known for smuggling activities. What officers uncovered paints a troubling picture.

Along the Savannah–Numan axis in late February, operatives intercepted dozens of jumbo sacks filled with secondhand clothing, alongside cartons of unregistered Viagra tablets—products that pose potential health risks to unsuspecting consumers.

Barely weeks later, along the Mubi–Sangere route, officers made a more disturbing discovery: over 500 pieces of raw donkey skin and hundreds of kilograms of dried donkey meat.

 The illegal trade in donkey products, he noted, is not only an economic crime but also a threat to wildlife conservation and ecological balance.

The most alarming trend, however, remains the smuggling of petroleum products.

 In multiple operations across Taraba and Adamawa corridors—including Likitaba-Gembu, Mubi-Sahuda, and Toungo-Ganye—Customs officers intercepted large quantities of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in jerrycans and drums.

In total, the Command seized over 32,000 litres of PMS and 2,800 litres of AGO, cleverly packaged for illegal export. 

These products, meant for domestic use, are often diverted across borders for profit, creating artificial scarcity and economic strain within the country.

Comptroller Tako emphasized that these actions are backed by the law, specifically the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers officers to intercept, detain, and confiscate prohibited or illegally transported goods.

 He warned that smuggling—whether of fuel, wildlife products, or unregistered pharmaceuticals—remains a serious offense with consequences ranging from seizure to prosecution.

Speaking directly to those involved in such activities, he urged them to reconsider their choices.

 “There is dignity and sustainability in legitimate trade,” he said, stressing that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to supporting lawful business while clamping down on criminal networks.

He also took a moment to commend the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for providing the direction and support that make such operations possible. 

He further acknowledged the collaboration of other security agencies and praised the dedication of Customs officers on the ground, many of whom risk their lives daily to protect the nation’s borders.

As the briefing drew to a close, the message was clear: the fight against smuggling is far from over, but with continued vigilance, cooperation, and public awareness, progress is being made.