The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted prohibited and smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.24 billion while recovering N728.98 million in revenue from importers involved in false declarations and other customs infractions.
The seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations and enhanced surveillance carried out by the Unit across its area of responsibility.
Speaking on the achievements, the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, said the Unit remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s economy, supporting legitimate trade, and preventing the influx of prohibited goods into the country.
According to him, the seizures recorded within the review period included 4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to about eight trailer loads, 12 foreign-used vehicles, 686 cartons of frozen poultry products, 414 bales of used clothing, 2,947 used tyres, and 964 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) containing 24,100 litres.
The anti-smuggling operations also led to the interception of large quantities of illicit drugs and controlled substances, including 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,439.9 kilograms, 49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud, one parcel of crystal methamphetamine, 13 parcels of granular cannabis, 240,000 tablets of Tramadol, and 12,000 tablets of Hypnox.
In addition, officers recovered 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilograms, a seizure that highlights Customs’ contribution to the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking and the protection of endangered species.
Comptroller Aliyu noted that the Unit’s revenue recovery drive yielded N728.98 million through the issuance of demand notices and the identification of underpayments arising from under-declaration, false declaration, and other violations of customs regulations.
He urged importers, exporters, and licensed customs agents to embrace full compliance with customs procedures, warning that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence and technology to detect attempts to evade duty payments or circumvent import regulations.
The Comptroller stressed that the interception of smuggled rice, vegetable oil, poultry products, used vehicles, and other prohibited items would help protect local industries, encourage domestic production, and safeguard government revenue.
He added that the seizure of narcotics and other harmful substances would prevent dangerous drugs from reaching communities and exposing young Nigerians to abuse and addiction.
Aliyu attributed the Unit’s successes to improved intelligence gathering, risk management strategies, inter-agency cooperation, and the support of stakeholders and members of the public who provide useful information to security agencies.
He reaffirmed the Service’s determination to maintain a balance between strict enforcement and trade facilitation, assuring compliant traders of a transparent and predictable business environment.
The Customs boss further called on members of the public, border communities, and the business community to continue supporting the Service with timely information, noting that collective vigilance remains critical to protecting the nation’s economy and securing its borders.
He maintained that the Federal Operations Unit would sustain its offensive against smuggling, revenue leakages, and other forms of economic sabotage in line with the Federal Government’s economic and security objectives.
