Zone D Customs Intercepts Contraband Valued at N110 Million

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone D, has intercepted smuggled goods valued at over ₦110 million between April 20 and the present date.

Comptroller of Customs, Abubakar Umar, disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Bauchi.

According to Umar, the seized contraband includes 11,200 litres of petrol, 192 bales of second-hand clothing, 140 cartons of pasta, 125 pairs of jungle boots, 47 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 9.4 kilograms of pangolin scales.

He attributed the successful seizures to intensified patrols, intelligence-led operations, and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies.

“The pangolin scales will be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further action,” Umar stated. “Meanwhile, the seized petrol will be auctioned, with proceeds remitted to the federation account.”

He noted that the decline in smuggling activities—particularly involving wildlife products, narcotics, and petroleum products—can be credited to the dedication and professionalism of customs personnel, in line with Sections 226 and 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The comptroller also urged traders and the public to remain law-abiding, stating that the service would intensify sensitisation campaigns to discourage smuggling.

“We remain resolute in securing our borders and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development,” he added.

FOU Zone D covers operations in Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa states.