Customs Seize Smuggled Goods Worth N82.1m in Bauchi Zone

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bauchi, has recorded significant successes in its anti-smuggling operations, with seizures valued at over N82 million between December  8 and  December  19, 2025.

Addressing journalists during a media briefing in Bauchi on Thursday, the Comptroller, Federal  Operations Unit Zone D Bauchi, Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, said the achievements followed intensified patrols, intelligence-led enforcement, and renewed commitment by officers and men of the Unit.

Kaila explained that FOU Zone ‘D’ is responsible for enforcing customs laws, implementing government fiscal policies, and suppressing smuggling across nine states—Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa.

According to him, shortly after assuming office two weeks ago, he declared zero tolerance for smuggling, a pledge he said is already yielding results.

Items seized during the period 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, 390 jerrycans of vegetable oil, and 20 cartons of foreign washing soap.

He disclosed that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures stands at N82,114,567.

The Comptroller noted a decline in cases of smuggling involving wildlife products, controlled drugs, narcotics and PMS, attributing the development to sustained patrols, professionalism, and strict adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, particularly Sections 226 and 245.

Kaila further revealed that the Unit has strengthened collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, enabling intelligence sharing and joint operations aimed at dismantling smuggling networks within the zone.

He warned traders and residents against engaging in illegal trade, stressing that there would be no hiding place for offenders. “We will not rest on our oars until smuggling is reduced to the barest minimum in our Area of Responsibility,” he said.

34 bales and 6 sacks of second hand clothes

The Comptroller also announced plans to intensify public sensitisation through media engagement and community outreach to educate citizens on the economic damage caused by smuggling and encourage the reporting of suspicious activities.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the management team for their support, as well as officers and men of FOU Zone ‘D’ for their dedication. He also appreciated members of the press for their role in informing the public.

150 cartons of foreign spaghetti

He reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to national development, border security and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth.

“Together, we can do more,” Kaila said.