The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested five suspects following a series of intelligence-led operations that uncovered smuggled goods valued at more than ₦362 million across Adamawa and Taraba states. The seizures, carried out over a six-week period by the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, included illegal wildlife products, petroleum products, cannabis and heavy equipment allegedly being moved across international borders.

Speaking at a press briefing in Yola, Customs Area Controller Comptroller Mohammed Abdullahi Tako said operatives intercepted a DAF low-bed trailer transporting a Sanny motor grader allegedly being smuggled to the Republic of Chad. Officers also recovered 1,003 jerrycans and one drum containing 25,295 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during separate operations conducted between June and July along several border routes.

Among the most significant seizures were 220 kilograms of pangolin scales, 74 kilograms of ivory tusks, 534.55 kilograms of dried donkey meat, 64 raw donkey skins, nine kilograms of cannabis sativa, and three vehicles linked to the operations. Comptroller Tako said the arrested suspects are being investigated and will face prosecution, adding that the operations were carried out in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, export prohibition regulations and international wildlife protection agreements.

The Customs Service reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance against smuggling, warning that the illegal trade in petroleum products, endangered wildlife species and illicit drugs threatens national security, public health and economic stability. Tako also announced that the confiscated donkey skins would be destroyed in accordance with the law and pledged that the command would continue dismantling smuggling networks while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade.