The Adamawa and Taraba Customs Command has intercepted Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, worth over ₦72.6 million. The command credited the seizure to its ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s economy and secure its borders from illicit cross-border smuggling activities.
Speaking to journalists at the command headquarters in Yola on Wednesday, Comptroller Garba Bashir explained that the petrol was being transported to Cameroon via the River Benue waterways.
Bashir highlighted that the operation was a significant blow to smugglers, achieved through shared intelligence, the use of technology, and coordinated border management efforts.
“We’ve begun tightening the noose around smugglers, and we will continue to do so until smuggling is eradicated from our command,” Bashir stated, assuring that under his leadership, the Adamawa and Taraba Customs Command would be off-limits to smugglers.
He further revealed that the operatives raided the bank of River Benue at Jimeta Waterside, also known as Bakin Kogi, around 3:30 a.m., where they found 240 drums, each holding 220 litres of petrol, neatly arranged and set to be transported to Cameroon.
Bashir also issued a stern warning to smugglers, urging them to abandon illegal activities.
“To the smugglers and economic saboteurs, I advise you to quit illicit trade and engage in legitimate business, as the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to facilitating legitimate trade and will relentlessly pursue those engaged in smuggling to safeguard the nation’s economy,” he cautioned.