Dare Babalola
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘D’, Bauchi, of the Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant bust, seizing smuggled goods valued at ₦82.1 million over a two-week period, highlighting the unit’s ongoing efforts to curb illicit trade in the region.
Zone Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila revealed on Friday that the Nigeria Customs Service’s Bauchi unit seized the goods between Dec 8-19, 2025, attributing the success to the unit’s dedicated anti-smuggling team, during a media briefing in Bauchi.
Kaila explained that the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘D’, is tasked with enforcing customs laws, implementing fiscal policies, and curbing smuggling in nine states: Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa.
He recalled that upon assuming duty two weeks ago, he pledged zero tolerance for smuggling in the zone, adding that the recent seizures reflected the unit’s resolve to translate words into action.
The seized items include 15,100 litres of petrol, 34 bales and 6 sacks of used clothing, 150 cartons of imported spaghetti, 80 sacks of used shoes, 390 jerrycans of vegetable oil, and 20 cartons of imported washing soap, according to Comptroller Kaila.
“The cumulative duty paid value of all the seized items stands at Eighty-Two Million, One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty-Seven Naira only (₦82,114,567),” he said.
Furthermore, he attributed the low smuggling rate, especially in wildlife, drugs, and petrol, to the unit’s stepped-up patrols, intelligence-led operations, and officers’ professionalism.
He stated that the operations were carried out in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Sections 226 and 245.
Kaila added that “anti-smuggling operations in the zone had been strengthened through increased collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, stressing that such partnerships had enhanced intelligence sharing and joint operations against smuggling networks.”
He urged traders in the zone to remain law-abiding and desist from illegal trade, warning that there would be no hiding place for those involved in smuggling activities.
The comptroller also said the unit would prioritise public sensitisation through media engagement and community outreach to raise awareness about the negative impact of smuggling on the economy and encourage the public to report illegal activities.
Kaila commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their support, as well as officers and men of the unit for their commitment.
He also appreciated members of the press for their role in informing the public about the activities of the unit.
He reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to national development, border security and supporting the Nigeria Customs Service’s role in driving economic growth.
