CUSTOMS CONDEMN MOB ATTACK IN ADAMAWA, SEIZES N95.7M WORTH OF SMUGGLED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
Read Time:2 Minute, 12 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strongly condemned a violent mob attack on its operatives during an anti-smuggling operation in Adamawa State, describing it as a direct assault on national security and law enforcement.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing held Thursday at the Customs Area Command in Yola. Represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Hussain Ejibunu, Adeniyi confirmed that the attack occurred on July 16 during a targeted, intelligence-driven operation against smugglers in Zone D.
He revealed that customs officers were ambushed by violent mobs and smugglers who blocked access roads with harmful objects. “What began as resistance to lawful enforcement escalated into a brutal and premeditated attack,” he said, adding that officers were assaulted and an operational vehicle was doused with petrol in an attempt to set it and the personnel ablaze.
Despite efforts to calm the situation, several officers sustained serious injuries, and a government vehicle was vandalised.
Citing Section 240 (3)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, Adeniyi warned that obstructing or assaulting customs officers in the line of duty attracts a penalty of N5 million, five years in prison, or both.
“This violent aggression is a direct affront to the authority of the NCS and a threat to national security,” he declared, while urging border communities to support law enforcement and refrain from obstructing operations.
“These officers are not just uniforms they are parents, spouses, and members of the community, working under difficult conditions to maintain peace and order,” he said.
He also revealed that the NCS has launched a joint investigation with other security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind the attack.
In the same briefing, Adeniyi announced that operatives of Operation Whirlwind had intercepted petroleum products valued at N95.7 million being smuggled through the Adamawa border in the last six weeks.
The seized items include 2,276 jerricans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 19 jerricans of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), totaling 69,375 litres. Two vehicles used for transporting the products were also impounded.
The seizures occurred across major smuggling flashpoints such as Malabu, Belel axis, Girei Wuro Bokki, Gurin Fufore axis, Jamtari, Maiha, Jimeta Waterside, and the Mubi Sahuda axis.
“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 added.
Adeniyi called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and the general public to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting individuals engaged in smuggling or violent disruptions of official duties.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0