Customs intercepts smuggled petrol worth N82m in Adamawa

Officials of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted over 15,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, and other smuggled goods worth N82 million in less than two weeks across the zone.

The zone comprises nine states: Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa.

The Zonal Controller, Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, who disclosed this while briefing journalists on Friday in Bauchi, said the petrol was intercepted in the Mubi axis from a syndicate operating in Adamawa State.

Kaila further revealed that 34 bales and six sacks of second-hand clothing, 150 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 80 sacks of used shoes, 390 jerrycans of vegetable oil and 20 cartons of foreign soaps were also seized along the Kano–Nguru–Gaidam road.

“The cumulative duty-paid value of all the seized items stands at N82,114,567,” he said.

He explained that the seizures were made between December 8 and December 18, 2025.

He added, “You may recall that upon my assumption of duty two weeks ago, I stated my resolve to give zero tolerance to smuggling activities in the zone, and today we are matching words with action through the number of seizures we have recorded within this short period.

“It is pertinent to note that the current low cases of smuggling recorded during the period under review, especially in the areas of illegal trade in wildlife, controlled drugs and narcotics, as well as PMS, are the result of intensified patrols, intelligence-driven enforcement, and the commitment and professionalism of the officers and men of the unit.

“Our operatives’ actions are in accordance with all extant laws as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, particularly Sections 226 and 245.”

Kaila noted that the unit’s anti-smuggling operations had been strengthened through increased collaboration with other security and regulatory government agencies.

He said, “These partnerships have facilitated the exchange of intelligence and allowed for joint operations to dismantle smuggling networks operating in the zone.

“I want to enjoin all traders within the zone to remain law-abiding and desist from illegal trade, as there will be no hiding place for those who engage in illegal activities.

“We will not rest on our oars until smuggling is suppressed to the barest minimum in our areas of responsibility.

“To raise awareness about the negative impact of smuggling on the economy, the unit will prioritise sensitising the public through media engagement and outreach programmes, in order to equip local communities with the requisite knowledge and tools to report smuggling activities to the appropriate quarters.”

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