Customs seizes N362.2m worth of pangolin scales, others in Adamawa

The Nigeria Customs Services, NCS, Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, has confiscated a large consignment of prohibited items, including pangolin scales, elephant tusks, donkey skins, Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, and cannabis, with a combined Duty Paid Value, DPV, of ₦362,204,543.91.

The Customs Area Comptroller, Mohammed Aminu Tanko, made this disclosure on Wednesday during a press briefing in Yola, the state capital.

Tanko described the interception as part of the Command’s renewed offensive against smuggling and other trans-border crimes.

According to him, within the last six weeks, the Command had redoubled intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguard the nation’s economy and protect its natural resources.

He added that the Command’s operatives successfully carried out several co-ordinated operations across different locations in Adamawa and Taraba states.

The Area Comptroller further disclosed that on June 9, 2026, at about 8:15 p.m., Customs officers intercepted a DAF low-bed trailer conveying a Sany motor grader along the Gudusu–Belel axis while it was allegedly being illegally exported to the Republic of Chad.

The Area Comptroller further disclosed that other seizures made during the period included 25,295 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, concealed in 1,003 jerrycans and one drum, 9 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 74 kilograms of pangolin scales, 64 pieces of raw donkey skins, 534.55 kilograms of dried donkey meat, as well as three vehicles comprising a DAF low-bed truck, a Sany motor grader and a Toyota Hiace bus.

According to him, five suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and are currently undergoing investigation ahead of prosecution.

Tanko said the cumulative Duty Paid Value of all the intercepted items stood at ₦362,204,543.91.

He explained that the operations were carried out in accordance with the provisions of Sections 55, 150, 233, 245, 246 and 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as Schedule 6 (Export Prohibition List) of the Common External Tariff, CET, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES.

“Our message is clear: abandon smuggling and engage in legitimate business. The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to facilitating lawful trade while ensuring that criminal networks undermining the nation’s economy are brought to justice,” he said.

Customs seizes N362.2m worth of pangolin scales, others in Adamawa