The Nigeria Customs Service has confiscated smuggled petroleum products, donkey skins, and other contraband valued at ₦98.375 million across Adamawa and Taraba states within a six-week period.
The Area Controller, Assistant Comptroller General Aminu Tako, revealed this while addressing journalists on Wednesday, crediting the seizures to ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling smuggling and protecting the economy.
He noted that the interceptions occurred at various locations across the two states.
“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 said.
Tako further stated that on March 12, 2026, operatives confiscated 509 pieces of raw donkey skins and 460kg of dried donkey meat along the Mubi-Sangere axis.
He added that on March 13, 2026, officers seized 110 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), each containing 25 litres, along the Likitaba-Gembu axis in Taraba State.
According to him, other interceptions 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.
He also disclosed that the most recent seizure took place on April 11, 2026, when operatives confiscated 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 with an aggregate Duty Paid Value of ₦98,375,325,” Tako stated.
He explained that the actions were carried out in line with provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which authorises the agency to prevent illegal exportation and seize smuggled goods.
The Area Controller warned that the smuggling of petroleum products, wildlife, and unregistered pharmaceuticals poses significant risks to national security, public health, and economic stability.
“There will be zero tolerance for such illegal acts under my command. Offenders will face seizure of goods, arrest, and prosecution without exception,” he said.
Tako advised individuals involved in illegal trade to switch to legitimate businesses, reaffirming that the Service remains committed to supporting lawful trade while dismantling smuggling networks.
He also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, along with other security agencies, for their cooperation in improving operational success.
Border communities in Adamawa and Taraba states have long been identified as major smuggling routes due to their proximity to international borders and challenging terrain.
In recent years, the Nigeria Customs Service has stepped up surveillance and enforcement efforts to curb the illegal movement of petroleum products, which are often transported out of Nigeria to neighbouring countries for higher profits.