The Federal Operations Unit, Zone D, Bauchi, of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted smuggled vehicles, petroleum products, donkey meat and skins, as well as second-hand clothing, with a total duty-paid value of over N229m.
The Comptroller of the unit, Abdullahi Ka’ila, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Bauchi, saying the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations across the zone.
He said the interceptions underscored the Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and security, adding that the unit had, in December 2025, also seized 718 pieces of donkey skins being smuggled out of the country.
According to him, the latest operation followed credible intelligence, meticulous surveillance and coordinated enforcement at identified locations.
“These operations were executed with professionalism and precision, resulting in the interception of several prohibited items suspected to have been smuggled into the country through unapproved routes,” Ka’ila said.
He listed the seized items to include one Toyota Urban Cruiser (2026), two Toyota Corolla Cross (2025), one Citroën Jumper bus and one Peugeot Boxer used as a means of conveyance.
Others, he said, were “14,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 283 pieces of fresh donkey skins, 102 sacks of fried donkey meat, and several bales and sacks of second-hand clothing.”
Ka’ila said the total value of the seizures stood at N229,422,669.
“The success of this operation underscores the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement and collaboration among security agencies. It also highlights the dedication and professionalism of personnel in Zone D, Bauchi, whose relentless efforts continue to curb smuggling activities along our borders and inland routes,” he said.
The comptroller warned that smuggling posed serious threats to local industries, public health and economic stability, while also depriving the government of revenue needed for development projects.
He urged members of the public and stakeholders to support the Service with credible information and cooperation.
PUNCH Online reports that the seized donkey skins and meat were handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency for further investigation and disposal.
Receiving the items, the Bauchi State Coordinator of NESREA, Yahaya Adamu, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts in curbing illegal wildlife trade.
He said the agency would ensure proper handling and disposal of the seized specimens in line with environmental regulations and in collaboration with other relevant bodies, including the National Park Service.
Adamu also called on communities to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that protecting endangered species required collective responsibility.
