By Ahmed Ahmed
The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’, Bauchi, has recorded major anti-smuggling breakthroughs over the past month, with seizures valued at over N52.6 million and the successful rescue of endangered wildlife.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Thursday in Bauchi, the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘D’, Abdullahi Shuaibu Ka’ila, said the achievements followed intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and tactical operations aimed at suppressing smuggling and protecting Nigeria’s economy and biodiversity.
According to him, items intercepted during the period include a 2015 Mercedes Benz ML350 4Matic suspected to have been smuggled through the Abuja–Nasarawa axis; 612 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totaling 15,300 litres, seized at the Mubi axis in Adamawa State
while being prepared for illegal exportation; and 33 cartons of foreign soap detained for non-compliance with import regulations.
Ka’ila further disclosed that five live pangolins were rescued in Jalingo, Taraba State,
following the arrest of three suspects involved in an attempted wildlife trafficking operation. He described the interception as particularly significant,
He noted that pangolins are protected under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
He said the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seizures stood at N52,664,071, adding that wildlife trafficking violates Section 55(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and constitutes a serious transnational crime.
The Comptroller explained that the operation aligned with the strategic directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to dismantle organized criminal networks.
He added that the rescued pangolins would be handed over to Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper care.
Ka’ila commended partner conservation agencies and the gallant officers of FOU Zone ‘D’ for their professionalism,
He urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support border security and environmental protection efforts.
