The Adamawa and Taraba Customs Command has successfully intercepted a shipment of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, valued at over ₦72.6 million. This significant seizure is part of their continuous mission to bolster the economy and secure the nation’s borders from illegal trans-border smuggling activities.
During a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Yola on Wednesday, Comptroller Garba Bashir announced that the intercepted petrol was en route to Cameroon via the River Benue waterways. “Our operatives have dealt a severe blow to smugglers by utilizing shared intelligence, advanced technology, and coordinated border management,” Bashir emphasized.
He pledged that under his leadership, the Adamawa and Taraba Customs Command would be impenetrable to smugglers. “We have begun to dismantle the smuggling networks, and we will persist until these illegal activities are eradicated from our jurisdiction,” he affirmed.
Bashir further explained that the operatives conducted a raid at the riverbank of River Benue at Jimeta Waterside, commonly known as Bakin Kogi, at approximately 3:30 a.m. There, they uncovered 240 drums, each containing 220 litres, meticulously arranged and prepared for transport through the waterways to Cameroon.
In a strong message to those engaged in smuggling, Bashir urged them to abandon their illicit activities. “To smugglers and economic saboteurs, I encourage you to leave behind illegal trade and pursue legitimate business opportunities. The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to facilitating lawful trade and will relentlessly dismantle smuggling operations to rejuvenate the nation’s economy,” he cautioned.
