New Customs Controller Vows Tougher Anti-Smuggling Operations in Adamawa, Taraba
The Acting Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Mamman Ali, has pledged to intensify the fight against smuggling in the two border states, promising intelligence-driven operations and the arrest of offenders.
Ali made the pledge on Monday in Yola during the handover ceremony marking his assumption of leadership of the command.
He said his administration would prioritise intelligence gathering, effective enforcement and the prosecution of suspects involved in smuggling activities.
“Under my watch, the era of abundant seizures without corresponding arrests is no longer acceptable. Every seizure must be accompanied by the apprehension of the suspect,” he said.
Ali added that the command would ensure that necessary legal procedures were followed to secure appropriate sanctions against offenders and deter future violations.
He said the command would move beyond routine physical patrols and road checks by strengthening intelligence gathering, information sharing and the use of technology.
The acting controller said his administration would align with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust of consolidation, innovation and collaboration, while upholding professionalism, integrity, discipline and accountability.
He warned that corruption, negligence, indiscipline and other actions capable of damaging the image of the service would not be tolerated.
Ali also called for the support of traditional rulers, community leaders, border residents and other stakeholders, urging them to provide timely information to help tackle illicit trade.
He pledged closer cooperation with other security agencies through intelligence sharing and joint operations to strengthen border security.
The acting controller commended his predecessor, Mohammed Tako, for his contributions to the command and promised to build on the achievements recorded during his tenure.
Tako, who assumed office on December 9, 2025, said the command recorded several anti-smuggling successes during his time in charge.
He listed the seizures to include 103,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, nine kilogrammes of cannabis, 74 kilogrammes of ivory tusks, 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales and 64 complete raw donkey skins.
Other seized items included 266 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 501 cartons of foreign bar soaps, second-hand clothing and vehicles allegedly used to transport contraband.
According to Tako, the total Duty Paid Value of the seized items stood at N530.97m. He added that the command also strengthened joint patrols and intelligence-led operations.
He urged officers and personnel to support the new leadership and sustain efforts to protect the nation’s borders.
Also speaking, Adamawa State Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abdulmalik Bello, commended Tako for his cooperation with the association.
Bello praised the outgoing controller’s security initiatives and pledged the association’s continued support for the new leadership.
By Oluwafemi Shodipe.
