Customs Seize Smuggled Vehicles, Donkey Skins, Fuel Worth Over N229m in Bauchi
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone D, Bauchi, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled vehicles, petroleum products, donkey meat and skins, as well as second-hand clothing, with a total duty-paid value (DPV) exceeding N229 million.
The Comptroller of the unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Bauchi, attributing the seizures to intelligence-driven operations carried out across the zone.
Ka’ila said the interceptions reflect the Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy, environment and internal security from the activities of smugglers.
He added that the unit had earlier, in December 2025, seized 718 pieces of donkey skins that were being smuggled out of the country in violation of existing export regulations.
According to him, the latest seizures followed credible intelligence, meticulous surveillance and coordinated enforcement at identified flashpoints.
“These operations were executed with professionalism and precision, resulting in the interception of several prohibited items suspected to have been smuggled into the country through unapproved routes,” Ka’ila said.
He listed the seized items to include one Toyota Urban Cruiser (2026 model), two Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles (2025 models), one Citroën Jumper bus and one Peugeot Boxer, which were allegedly used as means of conveyance for smuggled goods.
Other items recovered during the operations included petroleum products concealed in jerry cans, donkey meat and skins, and bales of second-hand clothing, all of which contravene Nigeria’s customs and trade regulations.
The comptroller warned smugglers and their collaborators to desist from illegal trade activities, stressing that the unit would continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to block smuggling routes and dismantle criminal networks.
He reaffirmed the NCS’s resolve to work closely with sister security agencies and local communities to enhance border security and ensure strict compliance with import and export laws.
Ka’ila further assured the public that all seized items would be handled in accordance with due process, adding that investigations were ongoing to apprehend those behind the illegal operations.
