COMPT TAKO DISORGANIZES PETROLEUM SMUGGLERS ACROSS THE BORDERS; INTERCEPTS N58.1 MILLION PMS FEW DAYS AFTER ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Anti- smuggling operations around Adamawa/Taraba border towns have turned clockwise, with the new Area Controller, Compt Muhammed Aminu Tako smoking smugglers out of their comfort zones in the region , just few days after assumption of office.
Consequently, no less than 1000 Jerry cans of petroleum products in 25 and 30 litres keg have been intercepted. Also, several sacks of second hand clothes made the list of seizures, all with a Dity paid Value (DPV) of more than N58.1 million.
Compt Tako said, ‘all these seizures were effected in line with the provisions of section 150, 245 and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, of 2023 which empowers the service to prevent the illegal exportation of PMS out of the country’
On Friday 12 December 2025, at about 0245hrs, officers intercepted 410 Jerry Cans of PMS conveyed in 25 liters and 30 liters each along Mubi-Sahuda axis.
Similarly, on Tuesday 16th December,2025 at about 0415hrs along Daware-Fufore axis,362 Jerry Cans of 25 liters each of PMS were seized.
iii. Furthermore, on Wednesday 31st December, 2025 at aout2310hrs,Operatives along Fufore-Gurin axis seized 330 Jerry Cans of PMS in 25 liters each.
In the same vein, 10 bales and 2 sacks of secondhand clothing were seized on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025 at about 0210hrs along Mubi-Sahuda axis.
Additionally, 141 Jerry cans of 25 liters each and one drum of220 litres of PMS were seized on Monday 5th January, 2026 at about 0128hrs at Wuro Bokki.
Finally, on Saturday 10th January, 2026, at about 2300hrs, officers of the Command intercepted one used 911 Mercedes Benz Truck loaded with 625 Jerry Cans of PMS in 30 litres each along Ndaforo-Abong axis of Taraba state.In total 1,868 Jerry Cans and one drum containing approximately 50,495 litres of PMS alongside 10 bales and 2 sacks of second hand clothing were seized with aggregate Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N58,117,550.00 (Fifty-eight Million, one hundred and seventeen thousand, Five hundred and fifty naira only)
“All these seizures were effected in line with the provisions of sections150,245 and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act,2023, which empowers the service to prevent the illegal exportation of PMS out of the Country under section 150 of Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.Section 245 gives officers the powers to detain, seize and condemn smuggled goods while section 246 deals with forfeiture of smuggled goods,including Petroleum Products moved contrary to extant laws”.
“WARNING TO SMUGGLERS The Nigeria Customs Service issues a final warning to all smugglers and their collaborators to desist from illegal activities. The Service has intensified intelligence-led operations across all routes and border communities.The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to safeguard national economic interest and ensure compliance with extant laws. Any person found engaging in smuggling or aiding and abetting such an act will face the full weight of the law without compromise.”
“The service expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, Phd,PSC (+), and the entire management team for their strategic leadership and unwavering support. We also acknowledge the effective collaboration of Sister Security agencies whose synergy continues to enhance our operational success. Special commendation is extended to the Officers of the Command, particularly the seizing officers for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication to duty. The Nigeria Customs Service further appreciates the media for their continuous support and objective reportage in promoting transparency and public enlightenment.”
“Gentlemen of the press, you are welcome to the press conference organized by Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service”.
“We have invited you today to brief you on the recent seizures of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and secondhand clothing recorded by the Command in the course of our statutory responsibilities to curb smuggling and protect the Nigerian economy. During separate intelligence covert operations conducted on different locations and dates within our area of responsibility, Officers of the Command recorded the following seizures:”