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Customs FOU Zone ‘B’ Seizes Contraband Goods Worth N351.5m in Two Months

Published

3 years ago

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Customs displaying the contraband

 

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, said it has succeeded in seizing 161 various contraband goods with duty paid value of N351,508,658.56 million from November to December 2022.

Recall that the FOU Zone ‘B’ comprises 10 states within the Northwest and North Central geopolitical zones with Kaduna as its administrative headquarters.

The Customs Comptroller of the Unit, Al-Bashir Hamisu, who made this known in Kaduna on Tuesday, in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman said the Unit has seized: 2,114 Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice (50Kg each), 126 Bales & Sacks of Foreign Second Hand Clothing, 72 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa, 65x25Kg Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice, 818 Cartons of Foreign Spaghetti, Macaroni & Couscous, 8 Vehicles, 102 Cartons of Foreign Carotone Body Cream, 102 Cartons of Foreign Eva Soap, 69x5Litres of Foreign Vegetable Oil, and 30 x 25Litres of Foreign Vegetable Oil.

Other items include Sacks of Foreign Second Hand Shoes, 3 Sacks of Foreign Tomato Paste, 13 Sacks of Foreign Hides and Skin (Ponmo), 113 Bundles of Foreign Textiles, 10 Cartons of Foreign Flavoured Chewing Gum, 7x25Kg Bags of Foreign Flour, 55 Pieces of Foreign Used Tyres, 438x25litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 87x50Kg Bags of Foreign Fertilizer.

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In line with the Service’s mandate of curtailing the illegal importation of intoxicants, Comptroller Al-Bashir Hamisu also said that the unit has made what he described as a “spectacular seizure” of 72 sacks of Marijuana brought to the fore another trick by smugglers and means of concealment.

“In this case, the smuggler concealed the Marijuana inside sacks of Cassava Flour (popularly known as Garri). The Operatives of the Unit with the aid of an informant intercepted the Marijuana along the Sokoto-Zamfara axis and brought it to the Office.” He said.

He said that the confiscated Marijuana will soon be handed over to the Commandant National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna State Command, in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration.

According to him, the Unit is gradually achieving its target of suppressing smuggling within the Zone; “it is on record that the Unit made a total 949 interceptions/seizures at different locations in the Zone from 1 January to 20 December 2022 with combined DPV of N2,345,155,577.38 which shows an increase when compared with duty paid value of N1, 319,332,763.00 in the corresponding year of 2021 .” he added.

Commending the tireless efforts of the Customs Operatives, Comptroller Hamisu attributed the Unit’s success to its sharing of intelligence with other sister agencies and effective performance management.

He further enjoined citizens to volunteer information to stem the menace of smuggling in Nigeria.

In the same vein, the Comptroller warned the smugglers to stay off the red zones during the Yuletide season, “I want them to know that our operatives are on red alert and vigilant to tame smuggling activities during the festive period with a view of arresting and prosecuting them.” he added.

He also commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), and his Management Team for their motivation and support to the Unit towards discharging their duties.

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ADC Reports Surge in Membership Following Kwankwaso’s Defection, Calls Him ‘Game Changer’

Published

6 hours ago

on

March 30, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially welcomed former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into its fold, touting his defection as a pivotal move that strengthens a growing coalition for political realignment in Nigeria.

In a statement released for immediate effect, the party described Kwankwaso as a “game-changer,” announcing that he has directed his network of supporters nationwide to join the ADC. According to the party, this call has already triggered a significant uptick in registrations on its online platform over the past 24 hours.

The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, framed the defection as part of a broader recognition among Nigerians of the need for a credible political alternative. The statement emphasized Kwankwaso’s experience in governance, grassroots influence, and capacity to unify as assets to the party’s ambition to “rebuild Nigeria.”

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Notably, the ADC highlighted the presence of several high-profile leaders at the defection event, including the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and leading presidential aspirants such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Their attendance, the party stated, reflects a united front and growing momentum.

The party characterized the surge in online registrations as evidence that Nigerians are aligning with what it called a “different path forward.” In its appeal to Kwankwaso’s supporters and the broader public, the ADC positioned itself as a vehicle for restoring dignity, opportunity, and public trust in governance.

“Change does not happen by chance,” the statement concluded. “It happens when people come together with purpose.”

The development marks a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition political landscape, with the ADC seeking to position itself as a converging point for influential politicians and their followings ahead of future elections.

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Foreign Affairs Minister Resigns to Pursue Bauchi Governorship Election

Published

7 hours ago

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March 30, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 election.

Tuggar submitted his resignation on Monday, in compliance with a presidential directive requiring all political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their posts by the March 31, 2026, deadline.

The directive, issued through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It affects ministers, advisers, and heads of federal agencies intending to contest in the 2027 general elections.

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Reports have it that his resignation positions him to seek the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bauchi State gubernatorial race.

Tuggar’s entry is expected to significantly reshape the state’s political landscape, intensifying an already competitive contest for the APC nomination. His background as a career diplomat and serving minister is seen by political observers as a potential advantage, offering national visibility and extensive political networks.

With less than 24 hours remaining before the deadline, additional resignations from the Federal Executive Council are anticipated as other appointees move to formalize their electoral ambitions.

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Kwankwaso Officially Joins ADC

Published

11 hours ago

on

March 30, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and ex-Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress.

The former Minister of Defence also registered with the party and received his membership card on Monday at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano.

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Present at the event include ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Senator Dino Melaye; and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, among others.

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