Adamawa: New Customs Comptroller Makes Huge Contraband Seizures

Daji Sani in Yola

The newly deployed Comptroller to Adamawa/Taraba Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Garba Bature Bashir, has said that within two weeks of his resumption, the command has made huge seizure of contrabands valued at over ten million Naira (10,871,496.25).

The Comptroller disclosed this at a press conference convened by the command’s headquarters, over the weekend in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

He said the press conference was also to warn against smuggling activities and illicit trade across the territorial borders of the command.

His words: “We want to unwaveringly tell smugglers that our operatives are strategically repositioned along the borderlines to fasten their exit out of this illicit business. We also call on you to adopt a legitimate business.

“The command has recorded huge success since l took over the affairs late last month. In the past two weeks, our drive of thwarting smuggling rings in this command has produced outstanding results.” 

Bashir added that the command officers after serious warnings while on anti-smuggling operations along the command frontier in Mubi borders had five incidents of interception of Premium Motor Spirit ( PMS)  on its way to the neighboring Cameroon Republic.

According to him, “The intercepted and seized PMS plus the means of conveyance hereinafter are valued at 10,871,496.25 as the Duty Paid Value (DPV) “

“However during the operations, no suspect was apprehended, as they abandoned the items and absconded in an attempt to circumvent arrest .

“The seized items include: 12,435 Litres of PMS packed in 491×25L and 8×20L jerry cans., One used Mitsubishi truck – the means of conveyance of PMS and one used motorcycle – the means of conveyance of PMS.”

The Customs Comptroller further said that due to the inflammable nature of these PMS, it will be auctioned immediately after the press conference in accordance with the standard Operating procedure ( SOP) and the proceeds accrued will be remitted into the Federation Account .

He regretted that at this time that Nigerians are in dire need of PMS,  some people are sabotaging the efforts of the federal government by smuggling these products to another country through the back door for their personal interest at the detriment of the larger populace.