FOU ‘C’ Customs in Highflyer Anti-Smuggling Campaign, as Compt Balogun showcases seizures of Donkey Skin worth N3.6Bn
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, CGC of Customs
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘C’, Owerri, another formidable enforcement arm of the service, has continued to give smugglers and economic saboteurs still operating their illegal smuggling trade within the nation’s eastern zone a run for their money.
Comptroller BA Balogun, Controller, FOU Zone ‘C’, NCS
Their woos seems to be made worsened since the advent of the present Comptroller Bashir Abdullahi Balogun who took over the mantle of leadership about three (3) months ago, and had hit the ground running, working round the clock to ensure that activities of smugglers and economic saboteurs are reduced to barest minimum.
Developments at the unit have it that, impounded offensive and contraband items by the determined and hardworking operatives of the unit are recorded on a regular basis under the watchful eyes of Comptroller BA Balogun, as variety of such seized wares filled the government warehouse and other various storage places.
The Seized Donkey Skin
The no nonsense and result oriented Area Controller who is known for his zero tolerance to corruption, is said to be leaving no stone unturned, in spite of the high level of insecurity in the zone and achieving massive results with humongous record of seizures, including items that threatened the nation’s coexistence.
The Seized Consignment
From the recent press statement report of the Area Controller, the battle against smuggling may have as well shifted to traders on endangered species, as Comptroller Balogun disclosed that operatives of the unit intercepted a total of 13,599kilograms consignment with a staggering street value of N3.6 billion in June 2025. This seizure is however rated as one of the most high-profile seizures from the unit in recent times. Â Â Â Â Â
According to the statement, “In a significant operational breakthrough, officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, zone C, intercepted and seized a 1x40ft container loaded with over 3,000 pieces of Dry Salted Donkey Skin, destined for illegal export. The interception was made possible following credible intelligence and surveillance by vigilant operatives of the Unit.
“The contents and the means of conveyance, weighing 13,599 kilograms, was uncovered during a routine enforcement operation after intelligence. Upon physical examination, it was discovered to be carrying Dry Salted Donkey Skin, a commodity that is listed under the Export Prohibition List by the Federal government of Nigeria due to its implications on biodiversity, environmental balance, and the illegal trade in endangered species,” the statement said.
It was also further observed that this animal is widely reared in Ebonyi state and this could be the source of its journey to be exported illegally.
Typical Donkeys
Comptroller Balogun was well pleased with officers and men of the unit involved in this spectacular seizure feat, as he commended them for their dedication and professionalism, also emphasised that the leadership of the (Nigeria Customs Service) Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, remains fully committed to enforcing government trade policies and combating the smuggling of prohibited and endangered goods.
He however warned individuals and syndicate involved in the illegal trade of wildlife and restricted items to desist, as the Service will continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and strategic enforcement operations across all zones.
Contained in the statement, “The Comptroller General of Customs has lauded the efforts of the operatives, reaffirming the Service resolve to uphold national laws, protect endangered species, and ensure Nigeria is not used as a hub for illegal wildlife trade.”
Meanwhile, it was stated that the seized container is presently under investigation, and further actions will be taken in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service ACT (2023) and other relevant laws.
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