The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘D’ of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its offensive against smuggling, recording major seizures of illicit goods worth more than ₦229 million in Bauchi State.
The Comptroller of the Unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Bauchi, explaining that the seizures were the outcome of sustained, intelligence-driven operations carried out over the past three weeks.
Ka’ila said Customs operatives, acting on credible intelligence and detailed surveillance, intercepted the smuggled items at key flashpoints within the unit’s operational area, blocking attempts to move them into the country through illegal routes.
Among the items recovered were one Toyota Urban Cruiser (2026 model), two Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles (2025 models), a Citroën Jumper bus and a Peugeot Boxer, all allegedly used to convey contraband.
Others included 14,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 283 pieces of fresh donkey skin, 102 sacks of fried donkey meat, as well as bales and sacks of second-hand clothing.
According to the comptroller, the total duty paid value of the seizures stood at ₦229,422,669, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration.
He warned that smuggling remains a serious threat to local industries, public health and economic stability, noting that it weakens legitimate businesses and denies government critical revenue needed for national development.
Ka’ila appealed to members of the public to support Customs by providing timely and reliable information, stressing that community cooperation is essential in combating economic sabotage.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their continuous support, assuring Nigerians that the service would sustain aggressive patrols to safeguard the nation’s economy from illicit trade.
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Meanwhile, the seized donkey skins and meat have been handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further investigation and proper disposal.
Ka’ila added that investigations were ongoing to track down and prosecute those behind the smuggling syndicate.
The Bauchi State Coordinator of NESREA, Mr Yahaya Saurayi, praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance, noting that the agency would work with relevant stakeholders to enforce environmental standards and prevent harmful practices linked to illegal trade.