Customs Command in Adamawa/Taraba Reports Significant Seizures in Anti-Smuggling Operation

Customs Command in Adamawa/Taraba Reports Significant Seizures in Anti-Smuggling Operation

Comptroller Garba Bature Bashir, the Customs Area Controller for the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, held a press conference at the Command Headquarters in Yola to provide an update on the Command's recent anti-smuggling operations.

Comptroller Bashir emphasized the Command's dedication to its core mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling, as outlined in the NCS Act 2023. The Command has enhanced its operational strategies, working closely with other security agencies to ensure effective border management. These efforts aim to boost the economy by improving trade facilitation in line with global best practices.

Highlighting recent operations, Comptroller Bashir reported several successful seizures. On June 29, 2024, Command Operatives intercepted 85 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Ribaddo-Farkumo axis, preventing the illegal transport of the product to Cameroon. Additionally, on July 6, 2024, operatives discovered 795 Jerry Cans of PMS near the Nigeria-Cameroon border in Sahuda and intercepted a Carina E vehicle with a hidden compartment filled with PMS along the Girei-Wuro Boki axis.

Over the past six weeks, the Command recorded 17 cases of seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N36,952,342.50. The confiscated items included 43,935 liters of PMS, one used tricycle, one used motorcycle, and two used vehicles, one of which had a hidden compartment for smuggling PMS.

Despite the repeal of the PMS subsidy, fuel smuggling continues due to high demand and prices in neighboring countries like Cameroon, Niger, and Benin Republic. Comptroller Bashir acknowledged the resilience of smuggling cartels but reaffirmed the Command's commitment to combating this illicit trade. The Command is continuously enhancing its measures to counter smuggling activities and aims to bring these activities to a halt in Adamawa and Taraba States.

The Comptroller attributed the Command's successes to the unwavering support from Nigeria Customs Service Management, led by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the collaborative efforts of various Customs Units and security agencies. He urged the public to support the Command's efforts by reporting suspicious activities and called on the media to educate the public on the negative impacts of smuggling on the economy and security.

Comptroller Bashir concluded by thanking the press for their attendance and support, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in combating smuggling and promoting economic growth.