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

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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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NNPC Confirms Gas Supply & Network Availability

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NNPC Limited confirms that gas transportation network operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), remains available to support deliveries to power generating stations Nationwide without any constraints. NGIC’s operational records do not indicate transportation-related constraints within its network that explain the current decline in electricity generation.

NNPC Limited is focussed on actualizing the Federal Government’s gas development and monetization agenda which has led to about 10% growth in gas production volumes 2026 year to date. Gas supply availability is therefore not a challenge as NNPC remains committed to supporting efforts to improve electricity generation through safe, reliable and efficient gas supply and transportation.

This clarification follows the Nigerian Independent System Operator’s (NISO) statement of 5 November 2026, which cited limited gas availability and reduced water inflows to hydroelectric stations as causes of lower generation. NNPC Limited’s clarification concerns the operational status of NGIC’s transportation network. Gas production, commercial supply arrangements and actual deliveries to individual power plants must be assessed separately from the availability of transportation infrastructure.

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A comprehensive assessment must also consider the availability and operational readiness of generating units, plant maintenance schedules and actual gas offtake. These factors determine whether gas supplied can be converted into electricity. They should be verified alongside gas supply data to establish the causes of the shortfall.

NNPC Limited supports a coordinated review of operational data by gas suppliers, transporters, power generators and NISO to identify specific constraints and guide effective interventions. Accurate reporting across the gas-to-power value chain is essential to resolving the challenges and sustaining public confidence.

Our focus remains on dependable energy infrastructure and constructive collaboration that helps translate Nigeria’s gas resources into more reliable electricity for Nigerians.

Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited
Abuja

6 November 2026

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Kano Task Force Seizes 3.18m Pregabalin Capsules After Rapid Response Squad Launch

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Barely 24 hours after the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, commissioned the Rapid Response Squad, the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has seized approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin in the Sabon Gari area of Kano.

The seizure followed credible intelligence received through one of the reporting platforms linked to the Task Force Command and Call Centre, just hours after the Rapid Response Squad was officially launched by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Squad identified and searched a residential apartment at No. 13 Apple Avenue, Normansland, Sabon Gari, in Fagge Local Government Area, which was suspected to be used for illicit activities.

During the operation, the operatives recovered approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin and arrested a 34-year-old man identified as Gregory Ogbuji.

The suspect, who is suspected to be associated with SEEMARK PHARMA LTD, registered under number 2012546, has been charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code. Another suspect allegedly connected to the operation is currently at large.

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The Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, Esq., described the seizure as a significant early result of the Rapid Response Squad, stressing that it demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and effective communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.

According to the Task Force, Pregabalin has emerged as one of the most widely abused drugs in Kano State. Its operational experience indicates that approximately eight out of every 10 drug-related operations involve suspects dependent on or abusing Pregabalin.

The Task Force described the development as a serious public health and security concern, stressing that sustained enforcement, public vigilance and community cooperation would be critical to tackling the growing challenge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.

The latest operation is one of the first major outcomes of the investment in establishing and equipping the Rapid Response Squad, which was designed to provide a coordinated and rapid response to reports of drug abuse, illicit trafficking, thuggery and other related crimes.

The Chairman warned individuals and groups involved in the illicit drug trade to desist, assuring residents that the Task Force would continue to take firm action against offenders without fear or favour.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their prayers, cooperation and continued support, urging residents to make full use of the Task Force’s reporting platforms and Command and Call Centre to provide credible information on suspected drug abuse, trafficking, thuggery and other criminal activities.

He said the cooperation of residents remained essential to strengthening public safety and advancing the state government’s “Kano First” agenda.

Signed:
Lamara Garba, mnipr
Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee
Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Traficking.

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Former Kano NUJ Chairman Abbas Ibrahim Loses Mother at 91

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Hajiya Binta Ibrahim, mother of former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, has died at the age of 91.

Hajiya Binta died on Friday, November 6, 2026, following a protracted illness.

The deceased was the mother of Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, who also served as the Labour Party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate in Kano State during the 2023 general elections.

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Among her surviving children are Salamatu Saminu, a retired Director in the Kano State Government; Halima Ibrahim; and Comrade Abbas Ibrahim.

The funeral prayer for the deceased is scheduled to hold on Friday, November 6, at Sahaba, Kundila, Kano, immediately after the Juma’at prayer.

Her death is a loss to her family, relatives and associates, who will remember her for the years she spent nurturing her children and contributing to the growth of her family.

May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her soul eternal rest and admit her into Jannatul Firdaus. Amin.

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