The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’, Bauchi, has intercepted contraband items valued at ₦82.1 million within the last 10 days.

The Customs Comptroller in charge of the unit, Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday in Bauchi. He said the seizures reflect the Service’s determination to enforce customs laws and curb smuggling across its area of responsibility, which includes Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states.

Kaila recalled that upon assuming office, he declared zero tolerance for smuggling, adding that the recent successes demonstrate the commitment of officers and men of the unit to translating policy directives into concrete action.

Items seized include 15,100 litres of premium motor spirit (petrol), 34 bales and six sacks of second-hand clothing, 150 cartons of foreign pasta, 80 sacks of used shoes, 390 jerry-cans of vegetable oil, and 20 cartons of foreign washing soap.

According to the comptroller, the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures amounted to ₦82,114,567.

He attributed the decline in the smuggling of wildlife products, narcotics, petroleum products and other prohibited goods to intensified patrols, intelligence-led operations and the professionalism of Customs personnel.

Kaila noted that the operations were carried out in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Sections 226 and 245. He added that the Service is strengthening collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies to enhance intelligence sharing and conduct joint operations aimed at dismantling smuggling networks.

He urged traders and importers to conduct their businesses within the law, warning that there would be no safe haven for individuals involved in illegal trade. He also assured the public of continued sensitisation through media engagement and community outreach, reiterating the Service’s commitment to border security and national economic growth.