Customs FOU Zone ‘D’ Records ₦52.6m Seizures, Rescues Endangered Pangolins
Customs FOU Zone ‘D’ Records ₦52.6m Seizures, Rescues Endangered Pangolins
Customs FOU Zone ‘D’ Records ₦52.6m Seizures, Rescues Endangered Pangolins
By Ahmad Ahmad
The Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘D’, Bauchi, has recorded significant anti-smuggling successes over the past month, with seizures valued at over ₦52.6 million and the rescue of endangered wildlife.
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Addressing journalists on Thursday in Bauchi, the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘D’, Abdullahi Shuaibu Ka’ila, attributed the achievements to intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and targeted tactical operations aimed at curbing smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and biodiversity.
He disclosed that items intercepted during the period included 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 along 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 also announced the rescue of five live pangolins in Jalingo, Taraba State, following the arrest of three suspects linked to an attempted wildlife trafficking operation. He described the interception as particularly significant, noting that pangolins are protected under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
According to him, the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seizures stood at ₦52,664,071. He added that wildlife trafficking violates Section 55(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and constitutes a serious transnational crime.
The Comptroller said the operations were carried out in line with strategic directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, aimed at dismantling organised criminal networks. He confirmed that the rescued pangolins would be handed over to Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper care and rehabilitation.
Ka’ila commended partner conservation agencies and officers of FOU Zone ‘D’ for their professionalism and dedication, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support border security and environmental protection efforts.
Customs FOU Zone ‘D’ Records ₦52.6m Seizures, Rescues Endangered Pangolins
