In a recent crackdown on smuggling, officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘B’ in Kaduna, successfully intercepted 250 bags of foreign parboiled rice ingeniously hidden inside a fuel tanker.
The operation was carried out on Saturday, August 3, 2025, following credible intelligence gathered by Customs operatives monitoring activities along the Yauri-Kontagora road in Kebbi State.
A suspicious DAF tanker, typically used for transporting petroleum products, was halted by officers who, suspecting foul play, escorted it to the Unit’s headquarters in Kaduna for a thorough inspection.
According to a statement released by Chief Superintendent Saidu Nuruddeen, the Public Relations Officer of the Unit, the tanker was found to be carrying bags of rice that are still under import restriction. The rice had been cleverly concealed to evade detection.
The Acting Comptroller of the Unit, AM Alkali, confirmed during a media briefing that the 250 bags of rice seized carry a duty paid value of ₦20.51 million. He emphasized that this interception is another example of the dedication and professionalism displayed by Customs officers.
“Our officers acted on actionable intelligence, intercepted the truck, and discovered 250 bags of foreign parboiled rice concealed inside,” Alkali stated. “This is a clear attempt to outsmart law enforcement, but our operatives acted swiftly and professionally.”
Zone ‘B’ of the Nigeria Customs Service is one of the largest enforcement zones in the country. It covers ten states and the Federal Capital Territory, including Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, and Kogi.
Alkali praised the vigilance and dedication of the Customs operatives, noting that this seizure highlights the ongoing success of the Unit’s intelligence-driven operations in combating smuggling and enforcing import regulations.
In another significant development, the Unit handed over a large quantity of unregistered and potentially harmful pharmaceutical products and chemicals to regulatory authorities. These seizures were made during separate enforcement activities carried out by the same Unit.
On July 17, 2025, Customs officials formally handed over 58,740 sachets of unapproved medicaments and 27 cartons of banned Analgin injections to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Furthermore, three sacks containing 990 pieces of Riodin chemical—known for posing serious environmental and health hazards—were handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
During the press briefing, Acting Comptroller AM Alkali also used the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the tenure of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He described the extension as a strong endorsement of Adeniyi’s visionary leadership and reform-oriented initiatives, which have contributed significantly to the modernization and efficiency of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“He is a visionary leader who has brought innovation and professionalism to the Service. This extension is a strong vote of confidence in his leadership,” Alkali remarked.