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By Joseph Adahnu, Yola
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Adamawa/Taraba state Command clashed with smugglers near border of Adamawa State and Cameroun Republic where many sustained injuries.
This, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed displeasure of the attitudes excited by smugglers issued in Adamawa State and across the country, stating that his administration will not entertain such attacks or even attempts Customs officers on duty.
In a press briefing in Yola, over the recent assault which left an officer wounded, the CG, epresented by Deputy Comptroller General (Finance and Administration) and National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, DCG Kenyide Ejibunu, condemned the incident and warned that any further attempt would prompt action.
Ejibunu said the attack which occurred on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Murjara, Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
“I must report a disturbing incident that occurred on Wednesday, 16th July 2025, during one of our intelligence-driven enforcement missions. While on official duty in Adamawa, our officers were ambushed by violent mobs and smugglers who barricaded access roads using sticks, stones, and some dangerous objects,” he said.
The CG stated, “What began as resistance to lawful enforcement escalated into a brutal and premeditated attack. Officers were physically assaulted with sticks, stones, and daggers. In a terrifying turn of events, the assailants doused an operational vehicle with fuel, threatening to set both vehicle and officers ablaze”.
His words, the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, Section 240 Subsection 3(a), Ejibunu said: “Where any person obstructs, hinders, molests, or assaults an officer in the performance of any duty or the exercise of any power imposed or conferred on him, or any person acting in his aid in carrying out the provisions of this Act or any other customs and excise laws, [such a person] commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of five (5) years or both.”
Disclosed further, he noted that despite officers’ efforts to retreat and de-escalate the situation, the attack led to serious injuries sustained by Operative Isah Mohammed and the vandalisation of an official vehicle. “There was also a casualty involving one of the attackers, who later succumbed to injuries sustained from a ricocheted bullet during crowd dispersal efforts”.
The operation driven by credible intelligence targeted notorious smuggling roast in adamawa including Malabu, Girei, Work- Bokki, Huron, Fufore, Jamtari, Maiha, and Mubi Sahuda axes. Operation confiscated 2,276 Jerrycans of premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 19 Jerrycans of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) totaling 693,75 liters along with two used vehicles for smuggling. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is worth N95,695,000.
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