Authorities seize large haul of contraband, including pangolin scales and elephant tusks, valued at ₦362m

The Nigeria Customs Service commands in Adamawa and Taraba states have made a significant seizure, intercepting smuggled goods valued at over ₦362 million.

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During a press briefing at the command's headquarters in Yola, Adamawa State capital, on Wednesday, Controller Mohammed Tako revealed that the seized items include 220kg of pangolin scales and 74kg of ivory tusks, among other contraband.

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A detailed breakdown of the intercepted items shows that they also include 25,295 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 9 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, 64 pieces of raw donkey skin, and 534.55 kilogrammes of dried donkey meat.

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In addition to the goods, three vehicles - a DAF towbed truck, a Sanny Motor Grader, and a Toyota Hiace Bus - were also seized, along with five suspects who are currently under investigation and will be prosecuted.

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The successful interception was attributed to intelligence-led operations conducted across various locations within the command, according to Controller Tako.

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One notable seizure occurred on Tuesday, 9th June, 2026, when a DAF lowbed trailer carrying a Sanny Motor Grader was intercepted along the Gudusu-Belal route to Cameroon, due to its illegal exportation to the Republic of Chad.

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Another significant seizure took place on Thursday, 18th June 2026, when 370 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit were confiscated along the Goshindan-Belal axis.

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On Monday, 29th June, 2026, the command intercepted 308 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit and 64 pieces of raw donkey skin along the Mubi-Sahuda axis.

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A further seizure occurred on Wednesday, 15th July, 2026, when 144 jerry cans and a 220-litre drum of Premium Motor Spirit were intercepted along the Maiha-Wuro Alhaji axis.

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Additionally, on Thursday, 2nd July, 2026, the command seized 181 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit along the Pariya-Wuro Bokki axis.

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The operations were carried out in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, specifically Sections 55, 150, 233, 245, 246, and 248, as well as Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

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Controller Tako emphasized that smuggling petroleum products, endangered species, and Cannabis Sativa poses a significant threat to national security, public health, and economic stability, and will not be tolerated.

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He warned that offenders will face the full force of the law, including the forfeiture of their assets, and that the seized donkey skins will be destroyed in collaboration with relevant inter-agency partners, in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service.