Customs Seizes ₦82 Million Smuggled Goods in Bauchi

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘D’, Bauchi, of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized smuggled goods with a duty-paid value of ₦82.1 million within two weeks.

The Zone Comptroller, Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed this on Friday at a press briefing in Bauchi, stating that officers of the unit’s anti-smuggling team made the seizures between December 8 and 19, 2025.

Kaila said the Federal Operations Unit enforces customs regulations, implements government fiscal policies and combats smuggling across nine states: Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa.

He recalled that on assuming office two weeks earlier, he pledged zero tolerance for smuggling in the zone, adding that the recent seizures show the unit’s resolve to match words with action.

The seized items include 15,100 litres of premium motor spirit, 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.

Kaila said the total duty-paid value of the seizures stands at ₦82,114,567.

Customs to Penalise Banks Over Delayed Remittance — Customs seizes ₦82 million worth of smuggled goods in Bauchi. Credit: PUNCH.

He attributed the relatively low incidence of smuggling during the period—particularly in wildlife products, controlled drugs, narcotics and PMS—to intensified patrols, intelligence-led operations and the professionalism of officers of the unit.

The comptroller noted that the operations complied with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, especially Sections 226 and 245.

He noted that the unit had strengthened its anti-smuggling drive through closer collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, which has improved intelligence sharing and joint operations against smuggling networks.

Kaila urged traders to operate within the law, warning that smugglers would face decisive action.

He also said the unit would prioritise public awareness through media engagement and community outreach to highlight the economic harm caused by smuggling and encourage the public to report illegal activities.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, his management team, and officers of the unit for their support and dedication, and thanked the media for keeping the public informed.

Kaila reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to border security, national development and the Nigeria Customs Service’s role in promoting economic growth.

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