The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, has intercepted petroleum products, expired drugs, foreign soaps, and donkey skins valued at ₦112.59 million in renewed anti-smuggling operations along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon.
Comptroller Garba Bashir, who briefed journalists on Wednesday at the Command headquarters in Yola, said the seizures were recorded over a six-week period during intensified enforcement efforts to combat smuggling and safeguard public health.
“The Command recorded 29 instances of seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦112,590,000,” Bashir announced.
Details of the Seizure
According to Bashir, the intercepted items include:
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20,600 litres of petrol (PMS) packed in 824 jerry cans of 25 litres each.
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91 cartons of expired Tramadol (50mg capsules).
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54 cartons of foreign soaps.
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64 pieces of complete donkey skins intended for illegal export.
He explained that the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations across border communities, particularly in Mubi and along the Damare River bank.
“If these expired Tramadol capsules had entered circulation, innocent Nigerians could have suffered serious health consequences, including high morbidity and mortality,” he warned.
Health, Economic and Environmental Implications
The Customs boss emphasized that the Service’s mandate extends beyond revenue generation to include protecting public health, national security, and the economy.
He cited World Health Organization (WHO) data indicating that over one million people die annually worldwide from consuming substandard or falsified medical products — with Africa bearing the heaviest toll.
“The seizure of these expired and counterfeit substances is key to combating organized crime, disrupting smuggling networks, and protecting Nigerians from dangerous products,” Bashir said.
The expired drugs have since been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for safe destruction.
Wildlife and Economic Crimes
Bashir also drew attention to the illegal trade in donkey skins, describing it as a serious environmental and wildlife concern.
“The 64 seized raw donkey skins translate to the killing of 64 donkeys. If this illicit slaughter and exportation continue unchecked, donkeys could go into extinction,” he cautioned.
The Command also seized 54 cartons of foreign soaps, which he described as economic sabotage, undermining local manufacturing.
Meanwhile, the seized petroleum products will be auctioned to the public, with proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.
Broader Significance
The latest operation highlights the multi-dimensional threat posed by smuggling — spanning public health, economic stability, and environmental conservation.
“These seizures represent a triple threat: economic sabotage through petroleum and foreign products, a public health crisis from expired drugs, and environmental harm from wildlife trafficking,” Bashir stated.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining its enforcement drive in line with Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and urged citizens to support government efforts against smuggling and illicit trade.
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