The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has warned smugglers in Adamawa and other parts of the country to stop attacking officers or face tough consequences.
The warning came after a violent attack on Customs officers on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Murjara, Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State. One officer, Isah Mohammed, was seriously injured during the assault, while an official vehicle was vandalised.
Speaking through Deputy Comptroller-General Kenyide Ejibunu during a press briefing in Yola, Adeniyi said the officers were ambushed while carrying out their duties. He said the attackers used sticks, stones, and daggers, and even poured fuel on a Customs vehicle, threatening to burn the officers alive.
“What began as resistance to lawful enforcement escalated into a brutal and premeditated attack,” he said.
Ejibunu added that one of the attackers died from injuries caused by a ricocheted bullet during efforts to disperse the violent crowd.
Quoting the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, Section 240 Subsection 3(a), he said anyone who obstructs or attacks Customs officers is liable to a fine of ₦5 million or five years imprisonment or both.
The CG described the attack as a deliberate move to weaken Customs operations and disturb border security. He said, “We stand in absolute condemnation of the unprovoked and deeply troubling attack on the officers while they were carrying out their lawful duties.”
He said within the last six weeks, Operation Whirlwind operatives seized 2,276 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit and 19 jerricans of Automotive Gas Oil across several smuggling points in Adamawa and Taraba. The products, which totalled over 69,000 litres, were being prepared for illegal export to neighbouring countries.
He said the total Duty Paid Value of the seized products and the vehicles used was ₦95.7 million. He added that the seized fuel would be sold to the public at ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrican.
“Operation Whirlwind remains alert and steadfast in curbing such illicit activities that threaten national security,” Ejibunu stated.
