The Adamawa and Taraba Customs Command has seized over ₦72.6 million worth of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
The command attributed the seizure to its ongoing efforts to protect the national economy and secure the country’s borders from illicit cross-border smuggling activities.
In a press briefing at the command headquarters in Yola on Wednesday, Comptroller Garba Bashir explained that the seized petrol was being transported to Cameroon via the River Benue waterways.
“The operatives of the command have dealt another significant blow to smugglers through shared intelligence, the use of technology, and coordinated border management,” Bashir said.
He assured that under his leadership, the Adamawa and Taraba Customs Command would remain off-limits to smugglers.
“We have begun to tighten the noose on smugglers, and we will continue to do so until smuggling activities are completely eradicated from this region,” he vowed.
Bashir further revealed that the operation took place at 3:30 a.m. when operatives raided the bank of River Benue at Jimeta Waterside, also known as Bakin Kogi, where they found 240 drums, each containing 220 liters of petrol, neatly arranged and ready to be transported to Cameroon.
He issued a strong warning to smugglers, urging them to abandon illegal activities.
“To the smugglers and economic saboteurs, I advise you to abandon illicit trade and turn to legitimate business. The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to facilitating lawful trade and will not hesitate to take action against smuggling cartels for the benefit of the nation’s economy,” he warned.
