Customs Seizes 1,149 Jerrycans of Smuggled Petrol at Taraba-Cameroon Border

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 1,149 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), allegedly smuggled through the Dorofi and Kan Iyaka axis along the Gembu-Cameroon border in Taraba State.

This was disclosed on Friday, March 14, by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, while auctioning the seized petroleum products to the public in Jalingo.

Adeniyi stated that ‘Operation Whirl Wind,’ which dismantled the smuggling network, was conducted between March 8 and 9, 2025.

He explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence and carried out in collaboration with other agencies.

He said: “Our intelligence-led operations have disrupted an emerging smuggling corridor along the Gembu-Dorofi-Kan Iyaka-Cameroon border.

“We remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s fuel does not end up in neighboring countries illegally at the expense of our economy.” he said.

The Comptroller General added that the seized petroleum products, contained in 30-liter jerrycans, totaled approximately 34,470 liters.

He also mentioned that a special-purpose transportation vehicle valued at N4 million was seized, bringing the total duty-paid value of the seizure to over N37 million.

Adeniyi noted that the difficult terrain of the area has contributed to the prevalence of smuggling activities, stating that it has made enforcement efforts more challenging.

“The rough landscape is a challenge but we are working towards deploying technology to enhance real-time intelligence and surveillance, which will improve our ability to track and intercept illegal activities,” he said.