The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Adamawa and Taraba Area Command has made a significant breakthrough, intercepting contraband valued at over ₦67 million.
Among the seized items were 111 live African grey parrots, illicit drugs, petroleum products, and other banned goods. The announcement was made by Area Comptroller Garba Bashir during a press conference held in Yola on Wednesday.
According to Bashir, the seizures were recorded over a span of three weeks across various strategic locations, including Mubi-Sahua, Goshindan-Farang, Belel, Girei-Wuro Bokki, Gella, Fufore-Gurin, Damare Waterside, Apawa-Numan Road, and the Savannah-Numan axis.
The contraband included large quantities of Premium Motor Spirit and Automotive Gas Oil, concealed in hundreds of jerry cans.
Illicit pharmaceutical products were also recovered, including thousands of Tramadol capsules and packets of Benzhexol tablets. Eleven sacks of second-hand clothing were also among the seized items.
The Area Comptroller revealed that the illicit drugs were intercepted on June 19 along the Apawa-Numan road. They had been cleverly concealed in sacks of charcoal and were uncovered following actionable intelligence. Bashir stressed that such substances, when abused by youths, pose a serious threat to public health and are often linked to criminal activities. He warned that drug abuse contributes to insecurity and social instability.
On the wildlife front, Bashir reported the arrest of a suspected trafficker on June 27 who was caught smuggling 111 African grey parrots from Cameroon through the Gurin border.
The parrots, a protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), were stuffed into six wooden boxes. Due to poor handling and inhumane transport conditions, nine of the birds died before they could be rescued. He emphasised that these parrots are frequently targeted by traffickers because of their high intelligence and mimicry skills, making them highly sought after as pets.
The Customs boss confirmed that the illicit drugs and the suspect would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action, while the rescued parrots would be transferred to the World Parrot Trust for rehabilitation and care.
He also noted that 101 raw donkey skins, which were seized in May, are slated for destruction in line with NCS regulations. The confiscated petroleum products will be auctioned promptly to prevent fire hazards, with the proceeds remitted to the Federation Account.
Bashir concluded by commending the support of the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, and the cooperation of sister security agencies. He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to combating smuggling, securing Nigeria’s borders, and protecting both public health and the national economy.
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