Customs Seize Over N229m Worth of Smuggled Goods and Vehicles in Bauchi
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone D, Bauchi, of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted smuggled goods and vehicles with a total duty-paid value of more than N229 million. The seizures were carried out during intelligence-driven operations across different parts of the zone.
The Comptroller of the unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this during a press briefing in Bauchi. He said the successful interceptions reflected the Service’s strong commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy, public safety, and national security.
According to Ka’ila, the operations were based on credible intelligence, careful surveillance, and coordinated enforcement efforts at identified locations. He explained that officers acted professionally and decisively to intercept prohibited items suspected of having entered the country through illegal routes.
Among the seized items were several vehicles, including one 2026 Toyota Urban Cruiser, two 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles, one Citroën Jumper bus, and one Peugeot Boxer bus used as a means of conveyance. These vehicles were allegedly used to transport smuggled items across the region.
Other items intercepted include 14,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 283 pieces of fresh donkey skins, 102 sacks of fried donkey meat, as well as multiple bales and sacks of second-hand clothing. Ka’ila added that the unit had earlier seized 718 pieces of donkey skins in December 2025, which were being smuggled out of the country.
The comptroller stated that the total duty-paid value of all seized items stood at N229,422,669. He warned that smuggling activities pose serious risks to local industries, public health, and economic stability, while also denying the government revenue needed for national development.
Ka’ila stressed the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and cooperation among security agencies, noting that teamwork remains key to curbing smuggling along Nigeria’s borders and inland routes. He also appealed to members of the public to support Customs by providing timely and credible information.
The seized donkey skins and meat were handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency for further investigation and proper disposal. The Bauchi State Coordinator of NESREA, Yahaya Adamu, commended the Customs Service and assured that the items would be handled in line with environmental laws, while calling on communities to help protect endangered species by reporting suspicious activities.
