By Atoyebi Nike
The Nigerian Customs Service’s anti-smuggling efforts have scored a significant victory as the Adamawa and Taraba States Command seized smuggled goods valued at over ₦104.4 million in Adamawa State.
During a briefing in Yola on Tuesday, Comptroller Garba Bashir, head of the command, said the operations align with the national security, energy security, and economic growth goals of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu administration.
“In the past four weeks, the command seized goods valued at ₦104,456,550,” Bashir announced.
The seized items include: 36,835 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), packed in 1,219 jerry cans and 24 drums of various sizes (25 to 200 litres), intended for smuggling into neighboring countries.
101 pieces of raw donkey skins, packed in seven sacks, also destined for export.
Bashir highlighted the environmental and economic impact of donkey skin smuggling, noting that the 101 skins correspond to 101 donkeys killed. He emphasized donkeys’ importance as agricultural transport and companions, warning that unchecked smuggling could push the species toward extinction.
The successful operation resulted from intelligence-led tactics, coordinated border management, and use of modern technology. Despite threats and harassment from smugglers, customs officers remain resolute.
“We will not relent until these economic saboteurs are defeated,” Bashir assured, stressing the fight will be conducted within the law and requires collective support from Nigerians.
