Dare Babalola
The Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’ in Bauchi has made a significant breakthrough in its anti-smuggling efforts, seizing smuggled goods worth over N229 million.
The Comptroller of the Unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this at a Bauchi news conference on Friday, stating that the seizures resulted from intelligence-driven operations over the past three weeks across identified hotspots within the unit’s jurisdiction.
According to him, the operations followed meticulous surveillance and coordinated enforcement actions based on credible intelligence, leading to the interception of prohibited and smuggled items brought into the country through unapproved routes.
Items seized include one Toyota Urban Cruiser (2026 model), two Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles (2025 models), one Citroën Jumper bus and one Peugeot Boxer, used as means of conveyance.
Other seizures comprise 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.
Ka’ila disclosed that the cumulative duty paid value of the seized items stood at N229,422,669,
He noted that the operation’s success highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and collaboration between agencies.
The comptroller warned that smuggling posed grave threats to local industries, public health and economic stability, undermining legitimate businesses and depriving the government of critical revenue for development.
Ka’ila urged members of the public to support customs operations by providing timely and credible information,
He stressed that community cooperation remained vital in the fight against economic sabotage.
Ka’ila commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their support.
He assured Nigerians of the continued resolve of the service to intensify patrols and protect the nation’s economy from illicit trade.
Meanwhile, the seized donkey skins and meat was handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further investigation and proper disposal,
He reiterated that investigations have commenced to identify and prosecute the masterminds behind the smuggling syndicate.
The State Coordinator NESREA, Yahaya Saurayi commended the Nigerian customs for their vigilance to get rid of contrabands.
He explained that the agency is responsible for coordinating and liaising with stakeholders, within and outside Nigeria on matters of environmental standards, regulations and enforcement.
