The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed allegations of increased smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment impropriety and manipulation of succession within the Service, describing them as a misrepresentation of its operations and administrative processes.

A report had alleged intensified smuggling along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors, as well as manipulation of the 846 valuation code at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.

NCS National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated in a statement on Thursday, that the claim of a surge in smuggling was inconsistent with the Service’s enforcement activities and pointing to regular seizures recorded along the affected corridors.

“Our responsibility is to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum, not to claim that it can be completely eradicated,” he said.

On the 846 valuation code, the NCS explained that it was a digital tool designed for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers, including specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles and customised models.

“The 846 code is an established digital valuation code within the Customs portal, specifically designated for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers,” Maiwada said.

He added that standard vehicles were assessed automatically through manufacturer-linked databases, while 846 applications were subjected to secondary approval by valuation officers and Area Controllers.

Maiwada said discrepancies discovered through post-clearance audits could lead to Demand Notices for the recovery of short-collected duties and sanctions against offending operators, adding that revenue collections at major ports had reached historic levels under the digital framework.

On the recruitment of Assistant Superintendents of Customs II, the Service said the exercise was conducted under the authorisation of the Nigeria Customs Service Board and in line with the NCS Act 2023 and Federal Character Commission guidelines.

It said successful candidates were issued provisional offers subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.

The Service also rejected allegations of succession manipulation and favouritism among officers, saying promotions were determined by seniority, merit, promotion examinations and available vacancies in accordance with established regulations.

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested two men over the alleged illegal transportation of Tramadol capsules worth N5.25 million.

The suspects, Bashiru Ibrahim, 27, and Mustapha Labbo, 26, are both residents of Jamtari. Police said they were arrested while allegedly transporting the drugs from Jamtari to Garwa in Cameroon.

According to the police spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, the suspects were intercepted on August 11, 2026, by a patrol team from the Area Command, Yola, at Dabala Village near Malabu.

He said, “A search conducted by the patrol team led to the recovery of 150 packs containing a total of 150,000 Tramadol capsules, with an estimated street value of five million, two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N5,250,000).”

The suspects and the recovered drugs have been taken into police custody, while an investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the drugs and identify other persons involved.

The command urged residents to continue providing useful information to the police to help prevent crime and protect their communities.

“The Adamawa State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Kabir Hassan, reiterates its commitment to combating the trafficking and abuse of illicit and controlled substances in the state,” the statement added.

In a separate development, the police said a child whose identity remains unknown was found by a resident and handed over to the police.

The child was found at the Temporary Market Bypass by Shitu Mahmudu, a resident of Wuro Hausa in Yola South Local Government Area.

Police said the child is currently unable to provide sufficient information about his identity or family and is being kept safely at the Yola Division.

Members of the public who may have useful information, or can identify the child and locate his family are requested to contact the Divisional Police Officer of Yola Division via 08034645512, 08148026762 or visit the nearest police station.

The Benue State Police Command has recovered a newborn baby who was allegedly taken from his mother at a healthcare facility in Gboko Local Government Area.

Some suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondona, confirmed the development to journalists on Thursday, stating that the baby was recovered in the early hours of the day.

Aondona explained that the matter was first reported at the A Division Police Station in Gboko before being transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

“Yesterday (Wednesday) in the midnight, we recovered the baby and the baby is at the division now,” Aondona said.

He further disclosed that arrests had been made in connection with the incident, although the police spokesman said the exact number of suspects would be made public later.

DAILY POST recalls that the baby was reportedly born on Tuesday, August 11, at a healthcare facility in Gboko but was allegedly taken from his mother only a few hours after delivery.

According to reports, the newborn initially failed to cry after birth, prompting a nurse to attend to him and stabilise his condition. He was later moved to a ward alongside his mother.

It was gathered that a woman who allegedly posed as a nurse approached the mother and asked to examine the newborn. Believing that the woman was a hospital staff member, the mother reportedly handed the baby over to her.

The woman allegedly carried the child towards the labour room, but the family later realised that the newborn was no longer there. The incident reportedly created confusion at the healthcare facility and prompted the deployment of security personnel.

The police have yet to reveal the identities of those arrested or the total number of suspects in custody as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction.

The recovered baby has since been reunited with his mother.