As part of its ongoing efforts to combat illicit cross-border trade, the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘D’, Bauchi, of the Nigeria Customs Service has successfully intercepted and seized a substantial quantity of smuggled goods valued at ₦82.1 million in just two weeks.
The confiscated items include Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), second-hand clothing, foreign food products, used footwear, vegetable oil, and washing soap.
Zone Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila highlighted that the seizures encompassed 15,100 litres of PMS, 34 bales and six sacks of second-hand clothing, 150 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 80 sacks of used shoes, 390 jerrycans of vegetable oil, and 20 cartons of foreign washing soap.
According to him, the seizures were carried out between December 8 and 19, 2025, mainly in Bauchi and across the zone’s operational areas, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Sections 226 and 245.
He further emphasized the unit’s broader mandate, which includes enforcing Customs laws, implementing government fiscal policies, and suppressing smuggling activities across nine states under its jurisdiction: Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa.
The comptroller noted that the relatively low incidence of smuggling during the period—especially involving wildlife, controlled drugs, narcotics, and PMS—was due to intensified patrols, intelligence-driven enforcement, and the professionalism of officers and men of the unit.
“Anti-smuggling operations in the zone have been strengthened through increased collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies. Such partnerships have enhanced intelligence sharing and joint operations against smuggling networks,” Kaila added.
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 citizens to report illegal activities.
Kaila commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their support, as well as officers and men of the unit for their dedication, while also appreciating members of the press for informing the public about the unit’s activities.
He further reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to national development, border security, and supporting the Nigeria Customs Service’s role in driving economic growth.
