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 N229,422,669.
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.
Ka’ila said the interceptions underscored Customs’ commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and security. He noted that the unit had, in December 2025, seized 718 pieces of donkey skins being smuggled out of the country.
He explained that 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.
The comptroller added that the success of the operation highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement and collaboration among security agencies.
He 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 Customs 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 Customs for its efforts in curbing illegal wildlife trade.
Adamu said the agency would ensure proper handling and disposal of the seized specimens in line with environmental regulations, stressing that protecting endangered species required collective responsibility.
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