Customs seize N200m value of smuggled items, automobiles in Bauchi

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone D, Bauchi, of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted smuggled automobiles, petroleum merchandise, donkey meat and skins, in addition to second-hand clothes, with a complete duty-paid worth of over N229m.

The Comptroller of the unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this on Friday throughout a press briefing in Bauchi, saying the seizures have been made by way of intelligence-driven operations throughout the zone.

He stated the interceptions underscored the Service’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation’s financial system and safety, including that the unit had, in December 2025, additionally seized 718 items of donkey skins being smuggled in another country.

In accordance with him, the most recent operation adopted credible intelligence, meticulous surveillance and coordinated enforcement at recognized places.

“These operations have been executed with professionalism and precision, ensuing within the interception of a number of prohibited gadgets suspected to have been smuggled into the nation by way of unapproved routes,” Ka’ila stated.

He listed the seized gadgets to incorporate one Toyota City Cruiser (2026), two Toyota Corolla Cross (2025), one Citroën Jumper bus and one Peugeot Boxer used as a method of conveyance.

Others, he stated, have been “14,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 283 items of recent donkey skins, 102 sacks of fried donkey meat, and a number of other bales and sacks of second-hand clothes.”

Ka’ila stated the whole worth of the seizures stood at N229,422,669.

“The success of this operation underscores the significance of intelligence-driven enforcement and collaboration amongst safety businesses. It additionally highlights the dedication and professionalism of personnel in Zone D, Bauchi, whose relentless efforts proceed to curb smuggling actions alongside our borders and inland routes,” he stated.

The comptroller warned that smuggling posed critical threats to native industries, public well being and financial stability, whereas additionally depriving the federal government of income wanted for growth tasks.

He urged members of the general public and stakeholders to help the Service with credible data and cooperation.

PidomNigeria On-line reviews that the seized donkey skins and meat have been handed over to the Nationwide Environmental Requirements and Rules Enforcement Company for additional investigation and disposal.

Receiving the gadgets, the Bauchi State Coordinator of NESREA, Yahaya Adamu, counseled the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts in curbing unlawful wildlife commerce.

He stated the company would guarantee correct dealing with and disposal of the seized specimens in step with environmental rules and in collaboration with different related our bodies, together with the Nationwide Park Service.

Adamu additionally referred to as on communities to help safety businesses by reporting suspicious actions, stressing that defending endangered species required collective accountability.