The Adamawa and Taraba Customs Command has successfully intercepted a large shipment of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, valued at over ₦72.6 million. This seizure is part of the command’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s borders and curb illicit smuggling activities.
In a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Yola, Comptroller Garba Bashir revealed that the petrol was en route to the Republic of Cameroon via the River Benue waterways.
The operation, he explained, was made possible through a combination of intelligence sharing, advanced technology, and strategic border management.
Bashir emphasized that the Adamawa and Taraba command was fully committed to eliminating smuggling in the region, vowing to continue exerting pressure on smugglers until they are completely driven out. “We have begun suffocating the smugglers and will not stop until all illicit activities in this area are purged,” he stated.
The operation occurred around 3:30 AM at the Jimeta riverside, commonly known as Bakin Kogi, where authorities discovered 240 drums containing 220 liters of petrol each, arranged for transport via the river to Cameroon.
To smugglers and economic saboteurs, Bashir issued a stark warning: “Abandon illegal trade and engage in legitimate business. The Nigeria Customs Service is here to facilitate lawful trade, and we are always ready to take action against those undermining the nation’s economy.”
