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The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘D’, Bauchi, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled goods with a cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of ₦82.1 million within a two-week period.
The Zone Comptroller, Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing in Bauchi, noting that the seizures were recorded between December 8 and 19, 2025, by officers of the unit’s anti-smuggling task force.
Kaila explained that the Federal Operations Unit is mandated to enforce customs laws, implement government fiscal policies and suppress smuggling across nine states—Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa.
He recalled that upon assuming office two weeks ago, he vowed zero tolerance for smuggling in the zone, adding that the recent seizures underscored the unit’s commitment to translating policy directives into concrete action.
Items intercepted 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.
“The cumulative duty paid value of all the seized items stands at Eighty-Two Million, One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty-Seven Naira (₦82,114,567),” the comptroller said.
Kaila attributed the relatively low incidence of smuggling recorded, particularly in illegal trade involving wildlife, controlled drugs, narcotics and PMS to intensified patrols, intelligence-driven operations and the professionalism of officers and men of the unit.
He noted that the operations were conducted in strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, specifically Sections 226 and 245.
The comptroller added that anti-smuggling efforts in the zone had been strengthened through enhanced collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, which has improved intelligence sharing and joint operations against smuggling syndicates.
He urged traders to remain law-abiding and desist from illegal activities, warning that the unit would not relent in its efforts to apprehend offenders.
Kaila further disclosed that the unit would intensify public sensitisation through media engagement and community outreach to educate citizens on the economic consequences of smuggling encouraging the public to report suspicious activities.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for their support, as well as officers and men of the unit for their dedication.
He also appreciated members of the press for their continued cooperation.
The comptroller reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to border security, national development and supporting the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate of driving economic growth.
