Smugglers Busted in Adamawa as Customs Seizes PMS and More

Intensified Anti-Smuggling Campaign in Adamawa/Taraba

The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has significantly escalated its anti-smuggling efforts, leading to a series of major interceptions across several border corridors. These operations have resulted in the recovery of 20,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other goods valued at N112.6 million in duty-paid terms.

During a press conference held at the Customs House in Yola, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Garba Bashir, announced these developments. He outlined the command's latest operations aimed at curbing trans-border crimes and safeguarding public health.

Key Seizures and Their Implications

According to Comptroller Bashir, the seized 20,600 litres of PMS were packed in 824 jerrycans, each with a 25-litre capacity. The other recovered goods included 91 cartons of expired Tramadol capsules, 54 cartons of foreign soaps, and 64 pieces of complete raw donkey skins intended for illegal exportation.

The command recorded 29 seizures within six weeks of intensive patrols and intelligence-driven operations along smuggling hotspots such as the Mubi–Sahuda axis, the Girei–Wuro Bokki route, the Jamtari–Farang/Belel area, Wuro Alhaji, the Damare bank, the Gurin–Fufore axis, and the Yerima road in Gembu.

Dangers of Expired Medical Products

Speaking about the risks associated with expired medical products, Comptroller Bature revealed that 91 cartons of Tramadol capsules were intercepted on August 30, 2025, in Mubi through coordinated enforcement and credible intelligence.

He warned that the distribution of substandard and expired drugs could lead to mass health crises, high mortality rates, and increased youth addiction. If these expired Tramadol capsules had entered circulation, they could have caused widespread harm, human capital deterioration, and unfair market competition. The command plans to hand them over to NAFDAC immediately after this briefing, in line with Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Comptroller Bashir also mentioned that the command will collaborate with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ensure the safe destruction of the seized drugs in a joint operation at a later date.

Illegal Exportation of Donkey Skins

Regarding the interception of 64 raw donkey skins, Comptroller Bashir explained that the items were seized on September 30, 2025, at the Damare River Bank, following intelligence reports. The smugglers had concealed the skins in three sacks, waiting for nightfall to ferry them across the waterways into Cameroon.

He noted that the export of donkey skin violates Schedule 6 (Export Prohibition List) of the Common External Tariff and Section 150 of the NCS Act 2023. The seizure represents the slaughter of 64 donkeys, and if this illicit trade continues unchecked, the species risks extinction. Such activities are primarily driven by international demand, particularly from Asia.

Foreign Soap Interception

Similarly, 54 cartons of foreign soap were seized along the Damare River Bank on October 3, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m. According to the CAC, the importation contravenes Schedule 3 of the Common External Tariff (2022–2026) and Section 233 of the NCS Act 2023.

Proceeds from PMS Auction

Comptroller Bashir disclosed that the seized PMS would be auctioned to the public immediately after the press conference in accordance with the Service’s Standard Operating Procedure, with proceeds remitted into the Federation Account.

Community Engagement and Security Cooperation

Emphasizing the command’s sustained engagement with border communities, the CAC stated that continuous dialogue with residents has helped disrupt smuggling networks and strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms. He noted that cooperation with sister security agencies and other customs units has greatly contributed to the command’s operational success.

Recognition and Future Commitment

Comptroller Bashir commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his visionary leadership and consistent support in empowering field operations. He extended gratitude to the media for their balanced reportage and urged journalists to continue educating the public on the dangers of smuggling to the nation’s economy and security.

“Let me state unequivocally that the command will not relent in the fight against illicit trade until smuggling cartels and networks in Adamawa and Taraba States are completely dismantled within the confines of the law,” Bashir said.

He concluded by assuring that the command would remain vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s borders and upholding its mandate of revenue generation, national security, and trade facilitation.