The Nigeria Customs Service in Adamawa and Taraba states has intercepted smuggled petroleum products, donkey skins, expired drugs, and foreign soaps valued at N112.5 million.
Comptroller Garba Bashir, who spoke at the command headquarters in Yola on Wednesday, said the seizures were made along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon during intensified anti-smuggling operations.
“It will interest you to know that the Command recorded twenty-nine instances of seizures with an aggregate Duty Paid Value of N112,590,000,” Bashir told reporters.
According to him, the items were intercepted over a six-week period and included 20,600 litres of petrol stored in 824 jerry cans, 91 cartons of expired Tramadol capsules, 54 cartons of foreign soaps, and 64 pieces of complete donkey skins.
Bashir said the Customs Service was not only focused on generating revenue but also on protecting citizens’ health, national security, and the economy.
He explained that the expired Tramadol capsules were seized by the enforcement unit on August 30, 2025, in Mubi, Adamawa State, following intelligence-driven operations.
“God forbid, if these expired drugs had entered circulation, they could have caused high morbidity and mortality, led to human capital loss, and fueled drug abuse among youth,” he said.
He added that intercepting such substances helps disrupt smuggling networks and prevents the spread of harmful products.
Quoting the World Health Organisation, Bashir noted that over one million people die each year from consuming fake or substandard medical products, with Africa suffering the most.
The seized expired drugs were handed over to NAFDAC representative, Pharm. Gonzuk Bedima, for destruction.
On the donkey skins, Bashir said 64 raw skins were seized at the Damare river bank last month, warning that such illegal trade could push the animal toward extinction.
He also disclosed that 54 cartons of foreign soaps were intercepted along the same route in October.
Bashir said the seized petrol would be auctioned publicly, and proceeds would be paid into the federation account.
He described the seizure as a triple victory — protecting the economy, safeguarding public health, and preserving wildlife.
