How FOU Zone D Records N110.5m Worth of Seizures in One Month – Compt. Umar
Author: Titus Omajali
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced the interception of smuggled goods valued at over N110.49 million within a month, following intensified enforcement operations across its Area of Responsibility.
Comptroller Abubakar Umar, who assumed duty four weeks ago, made this known during a media briefing on Tuesday in Bauchi, where he reaffirmed his commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on smuggling.
The Unit, which covers nine states, including Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa, recorded several seizures between April 20 and May 20, 2025.
According to Umar, items seized during the period include 11,200 litres (448 jerrycans) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 192 bales and two sacks of second-hand clothing, 140 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 125 pairs of desert and jungle boots, 47 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and 9.4 kilograms of pangolin scales. He also revealed that the seizures’ total Duty-Paid Value (DPV) was N110,499,352.
“In line with our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized pangolin scales will be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), while the intercepted PMS will be auctioned, and proceeds paid into the Federation Account,” he said.
Comptroller Umar noted that the relative decline in smuggling activities within the zone, especially concerning illegal wildlife trade, controlled substances, and petroleum products, is attributed to intensified patrols, intelligence-driven operations, and the dedication of officers and men of the unit.
“Our operatives’ actions are guided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, particularly Sections 226 and 254, which empower officers to carry out enforcement activities within the ambit of the law,” he added.
He further highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts with sister security and regulatory agencies, stating that joint operations and intelligence sharing have greatly aided in disrupting smuggling networks in the zone.
Comptroller Umar called on traders and residents within the zone to desist from illegal trade, warning that the unit will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to curb smuggling.
“We will not rest on our oars until smuggling is suppressed to the barest minimum in our Areas of Responsibility,” he assured.
