Customs Seizes N82.1m Smuggled Goods, Reaffirms Zero Tolerance For Contraband

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘D’ has intercepted smuggled goods valued at N82,114,567 in an operation aimed at enforcing compliance with trade laws and curbing illicit imports across Northeastern Nigerian land borders.

The seizures, carried out over two weeks from December 8 to 19, 2025, covered a wide range of items, including 15,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 34 bales and six sacks of second-hand clothing, 150 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 80 sacks of used shoes, 390 jerrycans of vegetable oil and 20 cartons of foreign washing soap.

The Unit Comptroller, Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed the development during a media briefing in Bauchi State on Monday, December 19, 2025, explaining that the operation was intelligence-driven and supported by information from the public, as well as collaboration with other security agencies.

“The operations demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy and ensuring lawful trade. We urge traders to comply with regulations and avoid engaging in smuggling, which undermines legitimate businesses and the nation’s economic growth,” Comptroller Kaila said.

He noted that FOU Zone ‘D’ covers nine states of Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa, a vast and diverse trade corridor that requires constant monitoring.

According to him, the success of the seizures was linked to improved intelligence gathering, intensified patrols and the professionalism of officers deployed across the zone.

He highlighted the broader economic impact of smuggling, noting that duty evasion, the importation of substandard goods and unfair competition damage local industries and reduce government revenue that could be invested in infrastructure, education and health.

“When smuggled goods flood the market, legitimate traders suffer, and the government loses crucial revenue. Our operations are meant not only to apprehend offenders but also to protect the economic well-being of all Nigerians,” he added.

Comptroller Kaila acknowledged the support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for backing proactive measures to combat smuggling.

He also commended the media and members of the public for providing timely information that enables the Service to respond swiftly.

He disclosed that the Customs Service has intensified public sensitisation campaigns to educate traders and citizens on the legal consequences of smuggling, stressing that public cooperation remains central to effectively tackling illicit trade.