Acting Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Mamman Ali, has promised to strengthen the fight against smuggling through intelligence-led operations, digital and deployment of modern technology.
Ali gave the assurance at a handing-over ceremony at the Nigeria Customs House Yola, as he formally assumed leadership of the command.
He pledged his administration would prioritize intelligence gathering, operational efficiency and effective enforcement to ensure that those involved in smuggling are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The new controller revealed that the command will adopt technology-driven strategies to complement conventional patrols and road checks, with a view to strengthening border security and curbing illicit trade.
He noted that, “Digitalisation has come to stay, and we will adopt it in every possible way to curb smuggling activities and sanitise the economy for sustainable growth”.
He stressed that offenders would be subjected to appropriate legal procedures and sanctions to discourage further violations.
This administration would also align its operations with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust of consolidation, innovation and collaboration. He called on community leaders, border residents and other stakeholders to support the command by providing credible and timely intelligence that would assist in tackling smuggling activities.
The new acting Comptroller however, commended his predecessor, Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Tako, for the selfless contributions to the command, assuring that he would build on the achievements recorded during his administration.
In a remarks, Tako congratulated Ali on his appointment and highlighted the command’s anti-smuggling achievements during his tenure, which commenced on December 9, 2025. As he disclosed that the command intercepted 103,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), nine kilogrammes of cannabis, 74 kilogrammes of ivory tusks and 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales
Count other seized items included 64 complete raw donkey skins, 266 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 501 cartons of foreign bar soaps, second-hand clothing and vehicles allegedly used to transport contraband goods.Tako put the total Duty Paid Value of the seized items at N530.97 million.
This couldn’t be possible as he attributed the successes to improved joint patrols and intelligence-driven operations, which he said contributed to efforts to protect the nation’s borders and combat illicit trade.
The outgoing controller urged officers and men of the command to give the new leadership maximum cooperation, loyalty and discipline to sustain the achievements recorded.
Speaking, the State Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Abdulmalik Bello, commended Tako for his cooperation and support for the association throughout his tenure.
Commend the outgoing controller’s security initiatives and pledged IPMAN’s continued collaboration with the new administration.
Bello reaffirmed the association’s commitment to work with the Customs Service to address security challenges and promote legitimate economic activities across Adamawa and Taraba states.
About the Author
