Customs zone ‘D’ Bauchi seizes smuggled goods worth N82.1m, reaffirms zero tolerance to smuggling
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘D’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bauchi, has recorded significant breakthroughs in its anti-smuggling operations, with seizures of prohibited and uncustomed goods valued at over ₦82 million between December 8 and 19, 2025.
Briefing journalists in Bauchi, the Comptroller of the Unit, Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, said the seizures underscored the Unit’s resolve to enforce customs laws and suppress smuggling across its area of responsibility, which spans nine states Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa.
Comptroller Kaila recalled that upon assuming duty two weeks earlier, he declared zero tolerance for smuggling, noting that the latest achievements demonstrated a commitment to translating policy into action.
He listed the seized items to include 15,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 34 bales and six sacks of second-hand clothing, 150 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 80 sacks of used shoes,
Others are 390 jerrycans of vegetable oil and 20 cartons of foreign washing soaps. The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures, he said, stood at N82,114,567.
According to him, the relatively low incidence of smuggling in areas such as wildlife trafficking, controlled drugs, narcotics and PMS during the period was attributable to intensified patrols, intelligence-driven enforcement and the professionalism of officers and men of the Unit.
He emphasized that all operations were conducted in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Sections 226 and 245.
The Comptroller further disclosed that the Unit had strengthened collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, enabling intelligence sharing and joint operations aimed at dismantling smuggling networks.
He urged traders within the zone to remain law-abiding, warning that there would be no hiding place for those engaged in illegal trade.
Kaila also pledged sustained public sensitization through media engagement and community outreach,
“While appreciating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the management team, officers of the Unit and the media for their support.,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to border security, economic growth and national development
