The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) seized petroleum products worth N195,719,930 in the past four months in Adamawa and Taraba states.

Speaking at a press briefing in Yola, Comptroller Garba Bashir, who heads the command, disclosed that the illegal fuel trade is worsening Nigeria’s economic challenges and depriving citizens of essential resources.

“These smuggling rings are not only disrupting domestic supply but are also undermining the energy sector reforms initiated by President Tinubu’s administration,” Bashir stated.

He clarified that smugglers were diverting fuel intended for local consumption via unapproved border routes and waterways, and he issued a warning that the Customs Service would not compromise in its attempts to stop the illegal activity.

“To find and stop these smuggling operations, our command is using cutting-edge equipment and intelligence-gathering strategies. “Our jurisdiction will not provide sanctuary to smugglers,” he said.

Several tankers, trailers, and other vehicles used in the unlawful transportation of petroleum products were seized as a result of the investigation. The magnitude of the illegal trade in the area was further highlighted by the command’s interceptions of illegal goods like alcohol and elephant ivory in addition to gasoline seizures.

Suspects connected to the gasoline smuggling operations have been taken into custody and are presently awaiting trial at the Federal High Court in Yola, Bashir said.

He called on Nigerians to back Customs’ anti-smuggling campaign, stressing that public collaboration and teamwork are necessary to combat economic sabotage.