The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bauchi, has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations with the interception of contraband goods valued at over N229 million.
The Comptroller of the Unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Bauchi.
Ka’ila said the seizures were made during intelligence-driven operations carried out over the past three weeks across identified smuggling flashpoints within the unit’s area of responsibility.
According to him, the operations followed meticulous surveillance and coordinated enforcement actions based on credible intelligence, leading to the interception of prohibited items smuggled 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, all used as means of conveyance.
Other seized items 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 (DPV) of the seizures stood at N229,422,669.
He noted that the success of the operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration, warning that smuggling poses serious threats to local industries, public health, and economic stability.
The comptroller urged members of the public to support customs operations by providing timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in combating economic sabotage.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their continued support, assuring 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.
Ka’ila added that investigations had commenced to identify and prosecute those behind the smuggling syndicate.
The Bauchi State Coordinator of NESREA, Mr. Yahaya Saurayi, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance in intercepting contraband, explaining that the agency is responsible for coordinating and enforcing environmental standards and regulations within and outside Nigeria.