The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said its operatives in Adamawa and Taraba recently thwarted smugglers from illegally transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as petrol to Cameroon.
Spokesperson of the Adamawa/Taraba Command, Naomi Titus, in a statement said the operatives demonstrated unwavering efforts for effective border management and to suppress smuggling activities at Nigeria’s borders.
Titus added that during the operation, three tricycles loaded with fuel suspected to be smuggled out of the country into the Republic of Cameroon were intercepted.
The officers, according to her, encountered fierce resistance from the smugglers who launched a violent attack as they tried to set both the officers and their official vehicles on fire.
Fortunately, after a call for reinforcement, the Nigerian Army intervened, thereby, averting a potential disaster.
“However, one officer sustained severe injuries and the windshield of an operational vehicle was shattered during the attack,” said the spokesperson.
Titus said despite the resistance from the smugglers, the team managed to secure, evacuate and seize 25 litre jerry cans of fuel totaling 45.
The spokesperson said the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed in its efforts to safeguard the nation’s borders and curb illegal smuggling activities.
SOURCE: Guardian Nigeria
