Friday, August 1, 2025 - The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has condemned a violent mob attack on its operatives during an anti-smuggling operation in Adamawa.
It also announced the interception of petroleum products
worth N95.7 million.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, made
this known at a press briefing on Thursday at the Customs Area Command in Yola.
Adeniyi, who was represented by the National Coordinator of
Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Hussain Ejibunu, said the incident
occurred on July 16 during an intelligence-led operation targeting smugglers
within Zone D.
“While on official duty in Adamawa, our officers were
ambushed by violent mobs and smugglers who barricaded access roads using
sticks, stones, and other harmful objects.
“What began as resistance to lawful enforcement escalated
into a brutal and premeditated attack.
“Officers were physically assaulted, and one of our
operational vehicles was doused with petrol in an attempt to set it, and our
officers ablaze,” he said.
He said in spite efforts to de-escalate the situation,
several officers sustained serious injuries while an official vehicle was
vandalised.
Quoting Section 240 (3)(a) of the NCS Act 2023, Adeniyi
warned that anyone who obstructs or assaults customs officers in the line of
duty is liable to a fine of N5 million, a five-year prison term, or both.
“This violent aggression is a direct affront to the
authority of the NCS and a threat to national security,” he said.
He appealed to residents of border communities to respect
law enforcement personnel and refrain from obstructing official duties.
“These officers are not just uniforms. They are parents,
spouses, and members of the community, working under challenging conditions to
maintain peace and order,” he said.
Adeniyi said the NCS had launched a joint investigation with
other security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the
attack.
He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and
the public to support law enforcement efforts by reporting individuals involved
in violent acts or smuggling.
Meanwhile, the NCS said operatives of Operation Whirlwind
intercepted petroleum products being smuggled through the Adamawa border in the
past six weeks.
“A total of 2,276 jerricans of 25 litres each of Premium
Motor Spirit (PMS) and 19 jerricans of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), amounting to
69,375 litres, were seized,” Adeniyi said.
He added that two vehicles used in conveying the products
were also impounded.
The seizures were made across various smuggling flashpoints,
including Malabu, Belel axis, Girei Wuro Bokki, Gurin Fufore axis, Jamtari,
Maiha, Jimeta Waterside, and the Mubi Sahuda axis.
He said the duty-paid value of the seized petroleum products
and vehicles was N95,695,000.
“These products were carefully concealed and intended for
illegal export to neighbouring countries. Their diversion causes significant
revenue loss and worsens local fuel scarcity,” he said.
0 Comments