The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘B’, Kaduna, has intercepted 250 bags of foreign parboiled rice concealed inside a fuel tanker in Kebbi State.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘B’, Kaduna, has intercepted 250 bags of foreign parboiled rice concealed inside a fuel tanker in Kebbi State.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Saidu Nuruddeen, the seizure was made along the Yauri-Kontagora Road on August 3, 2025, following a tip-off.

The intercepted DAF tanker was escorted to Kaduna, where a thorough inspection uncovered the concealed contraband. Acting Comptroller of the Unit, AM Alkali, confirmed that the rice, still banned under Nigeria’s import prohibition list had a duty-paid value of ₦20.51 million.

“Our officers acted swiftly based on credible intelligence. The rice was cleverly hidden in a tanker meant for petroleum products,” Alkali said.

Alkali praised his team for their vigilance and emphasized that the Unit would continue leveraging intelligence-led operations to curb sm¥ggling and safeguard the nation’s economy.