The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations with the seizure of 1,868 jerry cans and one drum containing approximately 50,495 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), alongside 10 bales and two sacks of secondhand clothing, valued at ₦58,117,550.
The seizures were unveiled on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, during a press conference addressed by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Muhammed Aminu Tako (psc), at the Customs House in Yola.
Addressing journalists, Comptroller Tako said the seizures were made during a series of intelligence-driven covert operations carried out at different locations within the Command’s area of responsibility, as part of efforts to curb smuggling and protect the Nigerian economy.
He disclosed that on Friday, December 12, 2025, at about 2:45 a.m., Customs officers intercepted 410 jerry cans of PMS, conveyed in 25-litre and 30-litre containers, along the Mubi–Sahuda axis. This was followed by another seizure on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at about 4:15 a.m., when 362 jerry cans of 25 litres each were intercepted along the Daware–Fufore axis.
Further seizures were recorded on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at about 11:10 p.m., when operatives along the Fufore–Gurin axis seized 330 jerry cans of PMS, also in 25-litre containers. Earlier that same day, at about 2:10 a.m., officers intercepted 10 bales and two sacks of secondhand clothing along the Mubi–Sahuda axis.
Comptroller Tako added that on Monday, January 5, 2026, at about 1:28 a.m., officers seized 141 jerry cans of 25 litres each and one drum containing 220 litres of PMS at Wuro Bokki. The final interception occurred on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at about 11:00 p.m., when a used Mercedes-Benz 911 truck loaded with 625 jerry cans of PMS, each containing 30 litres, was intercepted along the Ndaforo–Abong axis in Taraba State.
He explained that the seizures were effected in line with Sections 150, 245, and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empower the Service to prevent illegal exportation of petroleum products, detain and seize smuggled goods, and enforce forfeiture of items moved contrary to extant laws.
The Customs boss issued a stern warning to smugglers and their collaborators to desist from illegal activities, noting that the Service has intensified intelligence-led operations across all routes and border communities. He stressed that anyone found engaging in smuggling or aiding and abetting such acts would face the full weight of the law without compromise.
Comptroller Tako commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, psc (+), and the NCS management team for their strategic leadership and unwavering support. He also acknowledged the collaboration of sister security agencies and praised officers of the Command, particularly the seizing officers, for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication to duty.
He further appreciated the media for their continued support and objective reportage in promoting transparency and public awareness.
“Long live the Nigeria Customs Service. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.
