Customs Issues Fresh Warning to Smugglers as FOU Zone ‘D’ Steps Up Crackdown in Bauchi
By Ahmad Ahmed
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’ of the Nigeria Customs Service has renewed its warning to smugglers and dealers in prohibited and uncustomed goods, declaring that there will be no safe haven for those determined to undermine the nation’s economy through illegal trade.
The warning was issued during a media briefing in Bauchi by the Comptroller of the Unit, Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, following a series of coordinated anti-smuggling operations carried out between December 8 and 19, 2025.
The operations led to the interception of prohibited and uncustomed goods with a cumulative duty paid value of N82,114,567, underscoring the Unit’s intensified enforcement posture.
Comptroller Kaila stated that the operations were in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and reflected the resolve of the Service to enforce compliance with customs laws across its jurisdiction.
He reiterated that upon assuming office, he declared zero tolerance for smuggling, adding that the recent seizures clearly demonstrated that the Unit was backing its words with decisive action.FOU Zone ‘D’ covers a vast operational area comprising Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states.
According to the Comptroller, the wide coverage has not deterred the Unit from maintaining constant surveillance, aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at disrupting smuggling routes and networks.
Items seized during the period under review included 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 soaps.
Kaila explained that these items were intercepted at different flashpoints across the Zone through well-coordinated operations by officers and men of the Unit.
He warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, stressing that Customs now maintains an “eagle eye” on all known and emerging smuggling corridors.
According to him, the combination of intensified patrols, improved intelligence gathering and closer collaboration with sister security and regulatory agencies has significantly tightened the noose around smuggling syndicates.
The Comptroller noted a marked decline in cases of wildlife trafficking, narcotics, controlled drugs and PMS smuggling within the Zone, attributing the development to sustained enforcement, professionalism and commitment of Customs personnel.
He emphasized that the Unit would not relent, as smugglers often seek new methods and routes to evade detection.
Kaila assured that all operations of FOU Zone ‘D’ were conducted strictly within the ambit of the law, particularly Sections 226 and 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empower Customs officers to intercept, seize and prosecute cases involving prohibited and uncustomed goods.
He stressed that respect for human rights and professionalism remained core values guiding the Unit’s operations.Beyond enforcement, the Comptroller disclosed that the Unit would intensify public sensitization through sustained media engagement and community outreach.
He explained that smuggling causes significant economic damage, undermines local industries, deprives the government of revenue and poses security and environmental risks.
He said educating the public was critical to changing attitudes and discouraging complicity in smuggling activities.Kaila urged Nigerians to support the Nigeria Customs Service by providing credible intelligence and reporting suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
He called on citizens to change behaviours that encourage or tolerate smuggling, noting that effective intelligence sharing was key to completely getting rid of the menace or suppressing it to the barest minimum.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his leadership, strategic direction and the provision of critical logistics and equipment that have enhanced operational efficiency across Commands and Units.
According to Kaila, the support from the Customs headquarters has boosted the morale of officers and strengthened the Unit’s capacity to confront smugglers head-on.The Comptroller reassured the public that FOU Zone ‘D’ remains resolute in securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting the economy and ensuring that smugglers are brought to book.
He concluded with a stern message that the era of impunity for smugglers was over, as Customs will continue to deploy intelligence, technology and manpower to deny criminals any hiding place within the Zone.
