The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recently made headlines with a significant seizure of petrol intended for smuggling into the Republic of Cameroon. In a statement from the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command in Yola, officials disclosed that a total of 33,595 liters of petrol was confiscated during operations conducted between August and September 2024.

According to Garba Bashir, the Area Comptroller of NCS, the seized petrol was stored in various containers, including 1,115 jerry cans, each holding 25 liters, and 26 drums, each containing 220 liters. This substantial amount of petrol has a market value exceeding N71 million, underscoring the financial impact of the illicit trade.

Alongside the petrol, customs officials also confiscated several other items during their operations. These include:

• Three vehicles that were used to transport the seized petrol.
• 200 bags of foreign flour, which may have been imported without proper documentation.
• 57 bags of parboiled rice, another product that may be subject to import restrictions.
• 10 bales of second-hand clothes, often associated with illegal trading activities.

Bashir highlighted that the petrol containers were seized from various border areas in Adamawa and Taraba states, indicating the ongoing challenge of smuggling across Nigeria’s borders. The customs service is actively working to combat these illegal activities and maintain the integrity of the country’s trade regulations.

Furthermore, Bashir stated that the confiscated petrol would be auctioned to the public, providing an opportunity for legitimate buyers to acquire the fuel