The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘D’ Bauchi, seized contraband worth N82.1 million in the last 10 days.

The customs comptroller, Abdullahi Kaila, said at a news conference on Friday in Bauchi that the feat underscored the service’s resolve to enforce laws and suppress smuggling across its area of responsibility, including Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa.

Mr Kaila recalled that upon assuming duty, he declared a zero-tolerance policy for smuggling. He stated that the achievements demonstrated a commitment to translating policy into action.

He listed the seized items as 15,100 litres of 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 soaps.

The comptroller said the cumulative duty-paid value (DPV) of the seizures stood at N82,114,567.

Mr Kaila attributed the reduced smuggling of wildlife, drugs, narcotics, and petroleum products to intensified patrols, intelligence-driven enforcement, and the professionalism of personnel.

He said the operations are being conducted in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Sections 226 and 245.

According to Mr Kaila, the service is strengthening collaboration with security and regulatory agencies to enhance intelligence sharing and joint operations to dismantle smuggling networks.

He urged traders to remain law-abiding, warning that there would be no hiding place for those engaged in illegal trade.

While assuring sustained public enlightenment through media engagement and community outreach, Mr Kaila reiterated his commitment to border security and economic growth for national development.

(NAN)