Customs seizes N20m worth of smuggled petrol, other goods in Bauchi

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D in Bauchi, has seized 628 jerry cans of smuggled petrol, 78 pieces of donkey skin, and four drums of petrol within a four-week period.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Comptroller Aliyu Abubakar of FOU Zone D shared details of the operations against smugglers in the state.

According to Abubakar, between September 6 and October 8, 2024, customs operatives intercepted 628 jerry cans and 4 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totaling 16,635 liters, along with six sacks of fresh donkey skins containing 78 pieces each, among other items.

The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seized goods is estimated at N20,330,225.

“It’s important to note that these seizures were possible due to robust information gathering and intelligence sharing by various customs units, including the CIU, Customs Police, SIS, and our dedicated patrol officers of FOU Zone D,” Abubakar stated.

He added that the actions of the operatives were in strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA 2023), particularly sections 245 and 226, which cover the powers of detention, seizure, and free patrolling of goods.

Abubakar also called on patriotic citizens to support the Service by providing credible information to help combat smuggling activities that threaten the nation’s economy.