The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bauchi, has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing anti-smuggling campaign with the interception of prohibited goods valued at over N229 million.
The Comptroller of the Unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Friday in Bauchi. According to him, the seizures were made over the last three weeks through intelligence-driven operations across key smuggling flashpoints within the unit’s area of responsibility.
Ka’ila explained that the success followed meticulous surveillance, credible intelligence gathering, and coordinated enforcement actions, which led to the interception of smuggled items conveyed through unapproved routes into the country.
Among the items seized were one Toyota Urban Cruiser (2026 model), two Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles (2025 models), a Citroën Jumper bus, and a Peugeot Boxer, all used as means of conveyance. Other intercepted items included 14,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 283 pieces of fresh donkey skin, 102 sacks of fried donkey meat, as well as several bales and sacks of second-hand clothing.
The comptroller disclosed that the cumulative duty paid value of all seized items stood at N229,422,669. He noted that the achievement underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and strong inter-agency collaboration.
Ka’ila warned that smuggling poses serious threats to local industries, public health, and national economic ility, while also depriving the government of vital revenue needed for development. He urged members of the public to support customs operations by providing timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains crucial in combating economic sabotage.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their continuous support. Ka’ila further assured Nigerians of the service’s resolve to intensify patrols and protect the nation’s economy from illicit trade.
Meanwhile, the seized donkey skins and meat were handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further investigation and proper disposal.
The NESREA State Coordinator, Mr. Yahaya Saurayi, praised the vigilance of the Nigeria Customs Service and reiterated the agency’s mandate on environmental regulation and enforcement. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend and prosecute those behind the smuggling syndicate.
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Wow, impressive bust by Nigerian Customs! But do you think this will really put a dent in the smuggling problem?