Yola: The Adamawa and Taraba Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a significant achievement in its operations, with 28 seizures valued at N33.99 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV) over a three-week period. The Area Comptroller, Mr. Garba Bashir, disclosed this development during a news conference held in Yola.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bashir has handed over 2,475 liters of Dichloromethane, commonly referred to as 'suck and die,' to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for destruction. He emphasized the command's dedication to combating smuggling by employing coordinated border management and utilizing technology.
The seizures, made at various smuggling hotspots between Adamawa and Taraba, included 36,435 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) packaged in 1,194 jerry cans. Among these were two drums of PMS and 115 jerry cans of AGO of varying capacities, allegedly intended for smuggling out of the country.
Bashir highlighted that these efforts align with the command's strategy to enforce government fiscal policies and strengthen border security. The primary objective is to bolster national security at borders and protect domestic industries by preventing the entry of goods that could harm health, the economy, and border security. Additionally, the command aims to disrupt smugglers' operations and supply chains within legal boundaries.
Furthermore, Bashir mentioned that the seized petroleum products will be auctioned to the public in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the NCS Act, 2023, with the proceeds directed to the Federation Account. He also cautioned against any attacks on Customs personnel by smugglers and economic saboteurs, reassuring that genuine traders and petroleum marketers have no reason to worry as legitimate trade facilitation and protection of law-abiding stakeholders will continue.
The comptroller expressed appreciation for the collaboration and support from sister agencies and Customs units, noting the importance of intelligence sharing in safeguarding national security and ensuring economic stability.