The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) seized petroleum products worth N195,719,930 in the past four months in Adamawa and Taraba states.
Speaking at a press briefing in Yola, Comptroller Garba Bashir, who heads the command, disclosed that the illegal fuel trade is worsening Nigeria’s economic challenges and depriving citizens of essential resources.
“These smuggling rings are not only disrupting domestic supply but are also undermining the energy sector reforms initiated by President Tinubu’s administration,”; Bashir stated.
He explained that smugglers were using unofficial border routes and waterways to divert fuel meant for local consumption, warning that the Customs Service would not relent in its efforts to combat the illicit trade.
“Our command is deploying advanced tools and intelligence-gathering techniques to identify and dismantle these smuggling operations. Smugglers will find no refuge in our jurisdiction,”; he declared.
The operation led to the confiscation of several tankers, trailers, and other vehicles used in transporting petroleum products illegally. In addition to fuel seizures, the command also intercepted contraband items such as elephant ivory and alcoholic beverages, further highlighting the scale of illicit trade in the region.
Bashir confirmed that suspects linked to the fuel smuggling activities have been arrested and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Yola.
He urged Nigerians to support Customs’ anti-smuggling drive, emphasizing that the fight against economic sabotage requires collective effort and public cooperation.
