The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bauchi, has intercepted smuggled goods valued at over N229 million.

The comptroller of the unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed at a news conference on Friday in Bauchi that the seizures were made during intelligence-driven operations conducted over the last three weeks across identified flashpoints within the unit’s area of responsibility.

According to him, the operations followed meticulous surveillance and coordinated enforcement actions based on credible intelligence, leading to the interception of prohibited and smuggled items brought into the country through unapproved routes.

Items seized include one Toyota Urban Cruiser (2026 model), two Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles (2025 models), one Citroën Jumper bus and one Peugeot Boxer, used as means of conveyance.

Other seizures comprise 14,750 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS), 283 pieces of fresh donkey skin, 102 sacks of fried donkey meat, and several bales and sacks of second-hand clothing.

Mr Ka’ila disclosed that the cumulative duty-paid value of the seized items stood at N229,422,669.

He noted that the success of the operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration.

The comptroller warned that smuggling posed grave threats to local industries, public health and economic stability, undermining legitimate businesses and depriving the government of critical revenue for development.

Mr Ka’ila urged members of the public to support customs operations by providing timely and credible information.

He stressed that community cooperation remained vital in the fight against economic sabotage.

Mr Ka’ila commended the comptroller-general of customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their support.

He assured Nigerians of the service’s continued resolve to intensify patrols and protect the nation’s economy from illicit trade.

Meanwhile, the seized donkey skins and meat were handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further investigation and proper disposal.

He reiterated that investigations have commenced to identify and prosecute the masterminds behind the smuggling syndicate.

The state coordinator of NESREA, Yahaya Saurayi, commended the Nigerian Customs Service for its vigilance in eradicating contraband.

He explained that the agency is responsible for coordinating and liaising with stakeholders, within and outside Nigeria, on matters of environmental standards, regulations and enforcement.

(NAN)