By Talatu Maiwada

Security
The Acting Area Controller of Customs for Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Mr Mamman Ali, has vowed to intensify the fight against smuggling in the border states.
Ali made the pledge on Monday in Yola during the handing and taking-over ceremony, following his assumption of leadership of the command.
He said his administration would prioritise intelligence-driven operations, effective enforcement and the arrest of suspects involved in smuggling activities.
“Under my watch, the era of abundant seizures without corresponding arrests is no longer acceptable.
“Every seizure must be accompanied by the apprehension of the suspect.
“This must include the necessary legal and litigation procedures to secure appropriate sanctions against offenders and serve as a strong deterrent to future violations,” he said.
Ali said the command would move beyond routine physical patrols and road checks by strengthening intelligence gathering, information sharing and the use of technology.
He said his administration would be guided by the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust of consolidation, innovation and collaboration.
He identified professionalism, integrity, discipline and accountability as the four pillars that would guide his administration.
The acting controller warned that indiscipline, corruption, negligence and any conduct capable of tarnishing the image of the service would not be tolerated.
He solicited the cooperation of traditional rulers, community leaders, border residents and other stakeholders in providing timely intelligence to combat illicit trade.
Ali also pledged stronger collaboration with sister security agencies through intelligence sharing and joint operations to strengthen border security.
He commended his predecessor, Mr Mohammed Tako, for his contributions to the command, promising to consolidate on existing achievements.
Earlier, Tako said the command recorded significant anti-smuggling successes during his tenure, which began on Dec. 9, 2025.
He listed the seizures to include “103,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), nine kilogrammes of cannabis, 74 kilogrammes of ivory tusks and 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales.
“Others include 64 complete raw donkey skins, 266 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 501 cartons of foreign bar soaps, second-hand clothing and vehicles used for conveying contraband.”
Tako said the total Duty Paid Value of the seized items stood at N530.97 million, adding that the command also strengthened joint patrols and intelligence-driven operations.
He urged officers and men to extend greater loyalty, discipline and operational support to his successor, while sustaining efforts to protect the nation’s borders.
Also speaking, Alhaji Abdulmalik Bello, Adamawa Secretary, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), commended Tako for his cooperation with the association.
Bello also lauded the outgoing controller’s initiatives on security and pledged the association’s continued cooperation and support for the new leadership.(NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba