COMPT TAKO MAKES BOLD STATEMENT; INTERCEPTS DRUGS, PANGOLIN SCALES, DONKEY SKIN WORTH N362.2 MILLION: FIVE SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY
More than N362.2 million worth of prohibited goods were seized by the Adamawa/Taraba Area command in the last six weeks.
The Area Controller, Comptroller M.A Tako disclosed to newsmen today that more than 25,295 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) ,cannabis sativa,64 pieces of donkey skin as well as other uncustomed goods were seized.
Five suspects, according to the Customs helmsman are now in custody.
Through intelligence-led operations across various locations within their command, their dedicated operatives successfully executed the following seizures:
i. Tuesday, 9th June 2026 at about 2015hrs along Gudusu-Belal enroute Cameroon, One DAF Lowbed Trailer laden with a Sanny Motor Grader was intercepted on the ground of illegal exportation into the Republic of Chad.
ii. Thursday, 18th June 2026 at about 2310hrs along Goshindan-Belal axis, 370 Jerry Cans of 25 litres capacity each of PMS were seized.
iii. Monday, 29th June 2026 at about 0021hrs along Mubi-Sahuda axis, 308 Jerry Cans (25L each) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 64 pieces of complete raw donkey skin were intercepted.
iii. Thursday, 2nd July, 2026 at about 2048hrs along Pariya-Wuro Bokki axis, the Command Operatives equally intercepted 181 Jerry Cans (25L each) of PMS.
iv. Wednesday, 15th July, 2026 at about 2310hrs along Maiha-Wuro Alhaji axis; intercepted 144 Jerry Cans (25L each) and 1x220L Drum of PMS.
v. Tuesday, 21st July 2026 at about 2045hrs along Gurin-Turrah Axis, 9 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa (popularly known as Indian Hemp) packed into 9 packages were intercepted.
vi. On Thursday, 23rd July, 2026 at about 1748hrs in Touyota Hiace bus conveying 220kgs of Pangolin Scales packed into 3 sacks, a total of 48 pieces of Ivory Tusks weighing 74kgs, concealed in 2 sacks, 534.55kgs of dried donkey meat and other items were intercepted along Yola-Numan Road.
In total, within 6 weeks of successful anti-smuggling operations, the Command intercepted and seized:
i. 25,295 Litres of PMS (1,003 Jerry cans and 1 drum)
ii. 9 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa
iii. 74 kilograms of Ivory Tusks
iv. 220 kilograms of Pangolin Scales
v. 64 pieces of complete raw donkey skin and 534.55 kilograms of dried donkey meat
vi. Three (3) vehicles – one DAF Lowbed Truck, a Sanny Motor Grader and one Toyota Hiace Bus.
vii. Five (5) suspects. The suspects are currently being investigated and will be prosecuted in due course.
The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seized items stands at ₦362,204,543.91 (Three Hundred and Sixty-Two Million, Two Hundred and Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-three Naira, Ninety-one Kobo) only.
These operations were executed pursuant to Sections 55, 150, 233, 245, 246 and 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as Schedule 6 (Export Prohibition List) of the Common External Tariff (CET) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Section 150 empowers the Service to prevent the illegal/improper exportation of goods. Sections 245 & 246 mandate the detention, seizure, and absolute forfeiture of smuggled goods.
According to him, smuggling petroleum products, endangered wildlife species, and Cannabis Sativa directly sabotages national security, undermines public health, and damages economic stability. We maintain zero tolerance for illicit trade. Offenders will face the full wrath of the law and forfeiture of their assets.
Please be informed that, following this briefing, the seized donkey skins will be destroyed immediately in collaboration with relevant inter-agency partners, pursuant to the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
They strongly advise them to abandon illicit activities and embrace legitimate trade. The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to facilitating lawful trade, but they will relentlessly dismantle smuggling cartels operating within their jurisdiction to let the national economy thrive.
They extended their profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, psc (+), and the entire management team for their visionary leadership.
They also commended their sister security agencies for their seamless collaboration, and their brave officers, especially the seizing officers, for their uncompromising efforts, vigilance and dedication. Finally, they thanked the media for their objective coverage and continuous support.