PHOTOS: Customs Intercept 250 Bags of Rice Hidden in Fuel Tanker

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘B’ of the Nigeria Customs Service in Kaduna has intensified its anti-smuggling efforts with the interception of 250 bags of foreign parboiled rice cleverly concealed inside a fuel tanker.

The Unit also handed over large quantities of seized pharmaceutical products and hazardous chemicals to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), respectively.

This was revealed in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 6, by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Saidu Nuruddeen.

According to the statement, the seizure was made after a tip-off received by officers patrolling the Yauri-Kontagora Road in Kebbi State.

The intercepted vehicle, a DAF fuel tanker, was escorted to Kaduna, where a thorough physical examination uncovered the concealed contraband.

Acting Comptroller of the Unit, A.M. Alkali, disclosed that the truck was intercepted on August 3, 2025, based on credible intelligence indicating suspicious activity.

“Our operatives acted swiftly and professionally. Upon examination at our Kaduna office, 250 bags of foreign parboiled rice, which remain under import prohibition, were found hidden inside the fuel tanker  a vehicle typically used to transport petroleum products,” Alkali said.

He added that the duty paid value of the seized rice is estimated at ₦20,510,000.

Zone B of the Federal Operations Unit covers Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), making it one of the largest enforcement zones in the country.

Alkali praised his officers for their vigilance, saying the operation’s success reflects the Unit’s evolving intelligence-led strategy to suppress smuggling and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.

Other Enforcement Actions

In a separate operation on July 17, 2025, the Unit handed over:

58,740 sachets of unregistered 100mg and 50mg medicaments

27 cartons of Analgin injection, a banned or restricted painkiller

Three sacks containing 990 pieces of Riodin chemical to NESREA

These substances pose serious health and environmental hazards due to unregulated importation and usage.

Alkali also took the opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for extending the tenure of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“The extension is a testament to the CGC’s visionary leadership, innovation, and professionalism in reforming the Nigeria Customs Service,” Alkali stated.

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