By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major success in its anti-smuggling operations, seizing contraband worth over ₦1.78 billion between June 3 and July 18, 2025.
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, carried out 102 enforcement operations across the South-Western states, intercepting prohibited items and dismantling smuggling rings that threaten national security and the economy.
According to Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, the seizures included 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to six trailer loads, 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), 7,900 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) packed in 316 jerry cans, and other contraband.
The NCS also intercepted five shipping containers wrongly declared to evade duty payments. These include a 40-foot container fully loaded with used tires, another with unregistered medicaments, and others carrying used fridges, foreign supermarket items, and used clothes.
Representing the CGC at the briefing, ACG Hussein Ejibunu outlined the key seizures made during the period and disclosed that the anti-smuggling efforts led to the arrest of nine suspects, with ongoing investigations and prosecutions in collaboration with relevant security agencies. Some suspects have already been granted administrative bail.
Beyond physical seizures, the Unit intensified its compliance checks on import and export declarations, which led to the recovery of ₦95.6 million in unpaid customs duties within the same six-week window.
Comptroller-General Adeniyi reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to professionalism and intelligence-driven operations, saying, “We’re deepening synergy to combat trans-border crime.”
He added that the NCS remains a facilitator of legitimate trade and emphasized the importance of supporting lawful businesses while cracking down on illicit commerce.
The CGC commended the dedication of NCS Officers, saying, “The dedication of our gallant Officers, who risk their lives daily to secure the nation’s borders, deserves commendation.”
He also embarked on familiarization visits to traditional rulers and security agencies in the region to strengthen inter-agency cooperation.
Adeniyi concluded, “These achievements reaffirm our resolve to protect Nigeria’s economy. We call on the public to support our efforts by reporting suspicious activities.”
