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| Arrest Scene |
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its campaign against smuggling with the interception of illegal wildlife products, petroleum products and other prohibited items valued at ₦362 million during coordinated operations in Adamawa and Taraba states.
The seizures, carried out by the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, followed intelligence-led operations targeting major smuggling routes along Nigeria's northeastern border. Customs officials said the operations also resulted in the arrest of five suspects, who are currently undergoing investigation for their alleged involvement in cross-border smuggling activities.
Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Abdullahi Tako, said the command remains committed to combating economic sabotage and protecting Nigeria's borders from criminal networks involved in the illegal movement of goods.
Among the items recovered were illegal wildlife parts, including pangolin scales, ivory tusks, donkey skins and dried donkey meat, as well as 25,295 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The command also seized cannabis sativa, foreign goods, vehicles and a motor grader allegedly being smuggled across the border.
According to the Customs Service, the seizures were made possible through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies operating within the region. The agency noted that the smuggling of wildlife products not only violates Nigerian laws but also breaches international agreements designed to protect endangered species from illegal trade.
The command warned that fuel smuggling continues to threaten Nigeria's economy by creating artificial shortages and encouraging illegal cross-border trade. It added that the illegal export of petroleum products deprives the country of valuable resources while strengthening criminal networks operating along border communities.
Customs further disclosed that investigations into the seized items are ongoing and that the five suspects will face prosecution if sufficient evidence is established against them. The agency reiterated that offenders involved in wildlife trafficking, drug smuggling and other customs-related offences would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
In addition, the command revealed that the confiscated donkey skins would be destroyed in collaboration with relevant government agencies, while other seized items would be handled in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other applicable regulations.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border security, protecting endangered wildlife, preventing revenue losses and supporting legitimate trade. It also urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and dismantling smuggling networks across the country.