The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled petrol and other contraband items valued at over ₦82 million in Adamawa State.
The seizure was carried out by operatives of the NCS zone covering Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states.
Briefing journalists on Friday in Bauchi, the Zonal Controller, Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, disclosed that the petrol was intercepted in the Mubi axis. He said the product was traced to an organised smuggling syndicate operating within Adamawa State.
In addition to the petrol, Customs officers also confiscated 34 bales and six sacks of used clothing, 150 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 80 sacks of second-hand shoes, 390 jerrycans of vegetable oil and 20 cartons of imported soaps. The items were intercepted along the Kano–Nguru–Gaidam corridor.
Kaila stated that the combined duty-paid value of the seizures stood at ₦82,114,567. He added that the operations were conducted between December 8 and December 18, 2025.
The controller said the seizures reflected his earlier commitment to enforce zero tolerance for smuggling since assuming office two weeks ago. According to him, the results recorded so far demonstrate that the command is translating policy into action.
He attributed the reduced incidence of smuggling, particularly in petroleum products, wildlife trade, controlled drugs and narcotics, to sustained patrols and intelligence-led enforcement. Kaila also commended the professionalism and dedication of Customs personnel involved in the operations.
He noted that all enforcement actions were carried out in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, especially Sections 226 and 245.
Kaila further revealed that the unit had strengthened its anti-smuggling drive through enhanced collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies. He said the partnerships had improved intelligence sharing and enabled joint operations against organised smuggling networks across the zone.
The controller warned traders to conduct their businesses within the law, stressing that offenders would be held accountable. He assured that the service would continue its enforcement efforts until smuggling activities are significantly reduced.
He also said the command would intensify public sensitisation through media engagement and community outreach to educate residents on the economic consequences of smuggling and encourage timely reporting of illegal activities.
