Customs Intercept Smuggled Donkey Skins, Meat in Adamawa, Warn of Possible Extinction

,Seize ₦229m Items

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bauchi, under the leadership of Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Ka’ila, has announced the seizure of large quantities of donkey skin and fried donkey meat being smuggled through the North-East region of the country.

Ka’ila disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists during a media briefing on recent anti-smuggling operations carried out by the unit.

According to him, Customs operatives, acting on credible intelligence, successfully intercepted and seized 283 pieces of fresh donkey skin and 102 sacks of fried donkey meat in the Mubi area of Adamawa State.

He recalled that barely weeks earlier, precisely on December 26, 2025, the unit had also seized 718 pieces of donkey skin in the same Mubi axis, describing the trend as alarming.

The Comptroller explained that donkey skin and fried donkey meat are prohibited items, often smuggled out of the country through unapproved routes, a practice he said negatively affects the nation’s economy and threatens biodiversity.

He warned that the rising smuggling of donkey skin and meat poses a serious economic and environmental threat, stressing that if urgent measures are not taken, donkeys could face extinction in the country.

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Ka’ila noted that the latest seizure further demonstrates the unit’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s economy and security, assuring that the command would not relent in its efforts.
He said that over the past three weeks

vigilant operatives of the unit had maintained sustained surveillance and carried out coordinated operations across identified locations, leading to the interception of several smuggled items.

Comptroller Ka’ila hands over seized donkey skin and fried meat to Bauchi State Coordinator of NESREA, Yahaya Adamu

Other items seized during the operations include one unit of Toyota Urban Cruiser (2026), two units of Toyota Corolla Cross (2025), one Citroen Jumper bus, one Peugeot Boxer bus (used as means of conveyance), 14,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), as well as several bales and sacks of second-hand clothing.

In total, the seized items were valued at ₦229,422,669.

The Comptroller emphasized that the success of the operation highlights the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement and inter-agency collaboration, while commending the dedication and professionalism of officers and men of FOU Zone ‘D’, Bauchi.

He also urged members of the public to support the fight against smuggling by providing timely and credible intelligence, noting that smuggling undermines local industries, poses health risks, and deprives government of revenue needed for development.

Ka’ila disclosed that the seized donkey skins and fried meat have been properly documented and handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further investigation and disposal in line with established procedures.

He added that investigations had been launched to track and prosecute those behind the smuggling syndicate.

The Customs boss commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their leadership and support, assuring that the unit would continue to justify the confidence reposed in it by intensifying anti-smuggling operations within its area of responsibility.

“I want to assure all Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its fight against smuggling and illegal trade. We will continue to enhance patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering, and protect the nation’s economy from illicit activities,” he said.

The seized donkey skins and fried meat were formally handed over to the Bauchi State Coordinator of NESREA, Yahaya Adamu Saurayi, who commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and commitment to environmental protection.