Comptroller Kaila Begins Ruthless Onslaught Against Smugglers, Seizes N82.1m Smuggled Goods in Two Weeks
Barely two weeks after Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila vowed to vehemently fight smugglers within the 9 states of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, he has recorded major breakthrough in its anti smuggling campaign, with seizures valued at ₦82.1 million between December 8 and December 19, 2025.
Comptroller Kaila who disclosed this while addressing journalists during his first media briefing at the FOU Zone ‘D’ headquarters in Bauchi, he reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance stance against smuggling.
He explained that FOU Zone ‘D’ is responsible for enforcing customs laws, implementing government fiscal policies and suppressing smuggling activities across nine states including Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa.
According to the Comptroller, the successes recorded within the short period followed his assumption of office barely two weeks earlier, noting that the results demonstrated the unit’s resolve to match words with action in the fight against economic sabotage.
Items intercepted and seized during the period include 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 soap.
Comptroller Kaila stated that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items stood at ₦82,114,567, describing the haul as a clear indication of the effectiveness of the unit’s renewed operational strategies.
He noted that the relatively low cases of smuggling recorded, especially in wildlife products, controlled drugs, narcotics and PMS, were the result of intensified patrols, intelligence led operations, and the professionalism of officers and men of the unit.
The Comptroller stressed that all enforcement actions were carried out strictly in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Sections 226 and 245, which provide the legal framework for anti smuggling operations.
He added that the unit has strengthened its operations through improved collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, enabling effective intelligence sharing and joint operations to dismantle smuggling networks across the zone.
Comptroller Kaila warned traders to desist from illegal activities, assuring that the unit would not rest until smuggling is reduced to the barest minimum, while also pledging to intensify public sensitization and media engagement to raise awareness of the economic dangers of smuggling.
He commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their support, the officers of FOU Zone ‘D’ Bauchi and the media for their commitment, and reaffirming the unit’s dedication to border security, national development and economic growth.
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