The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 1,149 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) smuggled through the Dorofi and Kan Iyaka axis along the Gembu-Cameroon border in Taraba State.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, made this known on Friday in Jalingo, the state capital, during the public auction of the seized petroleum products.
Adeniyi revealed that the anti-smuggling operation, codenamed ‘Operation Whirl Wind’, was carried out between March 8 and 9, 2025, following intelligence gathered in collaboration with key security agencies.
“Our intelligence-led operations have disrupted an emerging smuggling corridor along the Gembu-Dorofi-Kan Iyaka-Cameroon border,” Adeniyi said.
“We remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s subsidized fuel does not end up in neighboring countries at the expense of our economy.”
The seized petroleum products, stored in 30-liter jerrycans, totaled 34,470 liters, according to the customs boss. Additionally, a special-purpose transportation vehicle valued at N4 million was impounded, bringing the total duty-paid value of the seizure to N37,780,600.
Adeniyi noted that the difficult terrain of the area aided smuggling activities, as the porous border made it easier for illicit trade to thrive.
“The rough landscape and the porous nature of the border make it easier for smugglers to operate,” he said.
“However, we are working towards deploying technology to enhance real-time intelligence and surveillance, which will improve our ability to track and intercept illegal activities.”
The Customs boss urged Nigerians to assist security agencies by providing credible information that could help combat smuggling.
“We urge members of the public to collaborate with us and other security agencies. Smuggling is an economic crime, and tackling it requires collective effort,” Adeniyi stated.
“Intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration are key to sustaining our fight against this menace.”
He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to strengthening border security and curbing the illegal exportation of petroleum products, warning that offenders would face the full wrath of the law.
In his remarks, Controller Garba Bature, the Controller of the Adamawa/Taraba Command, assured that the command would continue to intensify its crackdown on smuggling networks. He also urged border communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing intelligence that would help curb illegal trade.