Customs Intercepts 15,300 Litres of Smuggled Petrol, SUV, Rescues 5 Pangolins in Nasarawa, Adamawa
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’, has intercepted a range of contraband items—including a luxury vehicle, smuggled petroleum products and endangered wildlife—with a combined duty-paid value exceeding N52.6 million.
The Comptroller of the unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing, stating that the seizures were made at various locations within the zone in February as part of intensified anti-smuggling operations.
Among the intercepted items was a 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4Matic, reportedly smuggled into the country and impounded along the Abuja–Nasarawa corridor. Also seized were 612 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), each containing 25 litres—amounting to 15,300 litres—confiscated in Mubi, Adamawa State.
In addition, officers impounded 33 cartons of foreign soap in Mubi for non-compliance with import regulations.
Ka’ila highlighted the rescue of five live pangolins in Taraba State as a significant breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking. He revealed that three suspects connected to the illegal trade were arrested during routine patrols along key wildlife corridors.
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“Wildlife trafficking is a serious violation of Section 55(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023,” he said.
He further noted that the pangolin is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory and is obligated to enforce strictly.
The Comptroller said the rescued animals are currently in the custody of the NCS and will be handed over to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper rehabilitation and care.
Ka’ila commended the collaborative efforts of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Focus Conservation and Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative, describing their support as instrumental to the success of the operation.
He assured that the arrested suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Wildlife crime is not a minor offence; it constitutes an organised threat to our biodiversity and the nation’s global reputation,” he warned.
The Comptroller also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management and patrol teams of FOU Zone ‘D’ for their professionalism and dedication.
The NCS urged members of the public to provide credible and timely intelligence to support ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders, curb smuggling and safeguard the country’s natural heritage.
By PRNigeria
