Customs Seize Smuggled Goods Worth N229.4m in Bauchi Anti-Smuggling Operations
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bauchi, has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling campaign with the interception of smuggled goods valued at over N229 million.
Briefing journalists on Friday, January 23, 2026, the Comptroller of the Unit, Abdullahi Shuaibu Ka’ila, said the seizures were made during intelligence-driven operations conducted over the last three weeks across identified 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 and smuggled items brought 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, used as means of conveyance.
Other seizures 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 of the seized items stands at N229,422,669, noting that the success of the operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration.
He warned that smuggling poses grave threats to local industries, public health and economic stability, while also undermining legitimate businesses and depriving the government of critical revenue for development.
The Comptroller called on members of the public to support Customs operations by providing timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against economic sabotage.
Ka’ila commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their support, assuring Nigerians of the Service’s continued resolve to intensify patrols and protect the nation’s economy from illicit trade.
Meanwhile,The Comptroller handed over the seized donkey skins and meat to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further investigation and proper disposal,
He reiterated that investigations have commenced to identify and prosecute the masterminds behind the smuggling syndicate.
The State Coordinator NESREA, Mr Yahaya Saurayi commended the Nigerian Customs for their vigilance to get rid of contrabands.
He explains that the agency is responsible for coordinating and liaising with stakeholders, within and outside Nigeria on matters of environmental standards, regulations and enforcement.
