The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “D” of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bauchi, seized contraband worth N200 million between August and October.

The command spokesman, Umar Abdullahi, listed the seized items as 542 bags of 50 kilogrammes of foreign parboiled rice, four sacks containing 165kg of pangolin shells, 487 bags of Urea brand of fertilisers and 250 cartons of pasta.

Others were 191 bales of second-hand clothing, 110 kegs of petrol, 70 cartons of foreign soaps, 32 kegs of 25 litres of kerosine, 130 keg of 20 litres of engine oil and 10 bags of dried donkey skins.

He said operatives of the command also impounded seven vehicles used in conveying the prohibited items.

“The unprecedented seizure within this short time was achieved as a result of sharing of information, intelligence gathering and doggedness of the officers and men of the unit in making the zone unbearable for smugglers.

“People have to know that eradicating smuggling in this country will boost the economy, which will make the government provide social amenities to the citizenry,” he said.

The spokesman urged the people to provide credible information to eradicate the menace.

The statement quoted the head, FOU Zone “D”, comptroller, Musa Ibrahim-Jalo, as reiterating his commitment to rid the zone of smuggling.

Zone “D” comprises Bauchi, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Plateau, Benue, Gombe and Nasarawa states. 

(NAN)