Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts N98 Million in Illegal Goods Across Border Regions
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Command, has executed a significant anti-smuggling operation, resulting in the seizure of petroleum products and various contraband items with a total value of N98 million. This enforcement action was carried out along the border areas of Adamawa State, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb illicit trade activities.
Details of the Seizures in Adamawa State
During a press briefing held at the Customs House in Yola, the Area Controller, Ma Tako, who represented the Comptroller General, disclosed the specifics of the confiscated items. The seizures, accomplished within a six-week period, included a substantial quantity of petroleum products. Specifically, authorities recovered 1,288 jerrycans and three drums containing approximately 32,860 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
In addition, 2,800 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), or diesel, were seized, packed in 112 jerrycans with a capacity of 25 litres each. Beyond fuel, the operation netted a diverse array of other prohibited goods. These comprised 43 jumbo sacks of second-hand clothing, five cartons and 12 packages of Viagra 200mg tablets, 509 pieces of raw donkey skin, and 460kg of dried donkey meat.
Legal Framework and Enforcement Powers
Controller Tako emphasized that these actions were conducted in strict adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. He cited specific provisions that empower the service to combat smuggling effectively. "These seizures were carried out pursuant to the provisions of Sections 150, 245 and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and Schedule 6 (Export Prohibition List) of the Common External Tariff (CET)," he stated.
He further elaborated on the legal authority: "Section 150 of the Act empowers the Service to prevent the illegal exportation of PMS, as well as raw donkey skin and meat out of the country. Section 245 gives officers the power to detain, seize and condemn smuggled goods, while Section 246 deals with the forfeiture of such items, including petroleum products moved contrary to extant laws."
Impact on National Security and Public Health
Tako underscored the broader implications of smuggling activities, noting that they pose serious threats to national security, public health, and economic stability. The illicit trade in petroleum products can disrupt fuel supply chains and revenue generation, while wildlife smuggling and unregistered pharmaceuticals endanger biodiversity and consumer safety.
He reiterated the command's unwavering stance against such illegal acts, issuing a stern warning to potential offenders. "There will be zero tolerance for such illegal acts. Offenders will face seizure of goods, arrest and prosecution without exception," he declared, urging individuals involved in smuggling to cease their activities or face legal consequences.
Additional Seizures in Kwara State
In a related development, operatives of the NCS Operation Whirlwind conducted separate interceptions in Kwara State, resulting in further significant seizures. They confiscated 1,510 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 30 drums of 200 litres each of PMS, totaling 43,750 litres. The estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these petroleum products is N43.8 million.
These operations were executed across multiple strategic locations in Kwara State, including Kaiama, Shiya, Kenu, Boriya, Luma, Bokuru-Baruten, Ilesha-Baruba, Taberu, and Salla-Gwanara. This demonstrates the extensive reach and vigilance of customs officials in combating smuggling across various regions.
The combined efforts in Adamawa and Kwara states reflect the Nigeria Customs Service's commitment to enforcing trade regulations and protecting the nation's borders from illegal activities. These seizures serve as a deterrent to smugglers and reinforce the importance of compliance with customs laws for economic and security purposes.
