By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone A (FOU A), has intercepted contraband goods worth over ₦3.1 billion in a sweeping crackdown on smuggling activities across the South-West geopolitical zone.
The operation, which lasted for three weeks, resulted in the seizure of 76 smuggling attempts and the arrest of 13 suspects.
According to Comptroller MS Shuaibu, who briefed the press on Thursda in Ikeja, Lagos, the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations at strategic locations, including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State; and various points within Lagos metropolis.
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The breakdown of the intercepted goods includes 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), equivalent to seven trailer loads, 22 used vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks, and 12,125 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in 485 jerry cans. Other items seized include 120 bales of used clothing, 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 47 cartons of foreign poultry products, and 770 jerry cans of foreign vegetable oil.
In addition, eight containers were seized for misdeclaration and duty evasion, with the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items standing at a staggering ₦3,144,680,000.00. The Unit also recovered ₦47,834,397.29 through Demand Notices issued for under-declared imports between July 18 and August 12, 2025.
Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that while the Unit remains vigilant against smuggling and fraud, it also plays a critical role in facilitating legitimate trade.
“We continue to support lawful commerce through intelligence-driven operations that balance security enforcement with economic growth,” he stated.
The seized Cannabis Sativa were handed over to appropriate authorities for further legal action, in line with inter-agency collaboration protocols. Some of the suspects have been granted administrative bail, while others have been transferred to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
