Major Blow Against Smuggling Networks
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 76 smuggled goods worth N3.1 billion and arrested 13 suspects in a sweeping three-week operation across the South-West.
Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Muhammad Shau’aib, announced the breakthrough during a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday, stressing that the operations targeted strategic locations in Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, and Lagos States.
According to him, the exercise was part of the unit’s unwavering resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and confront economic saboteurs undermining the Federal Government’s fiscal policies.
Breakdown of Seized Items
Shau’aib revealed that the seizures — driven by intelligence-led operations — included:
• 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), equivalent to seven trailer loads
• 22 used (tokunbo) vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks
• 485 jerrycans of PMS (25 litres each) totalling 12,125 litres
• 120 bales of used clothing
• 57 parcels of cannabis sativa
• 47 cartons of foreign poultry products
• 770 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil (25 litres each)
The command also intercepted eight containers with under-declared goods or attempts to evade duties, valued at N3.13 billion.
Revenue Recovery and Prosecution
Between July 18 and August 12, the unit recovered N47.8 million in unpaid duties through demand notices.
Shau’aib disclosed that the 13 suspects arrested during the operations had either been granted administrative bail or handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution. The seized cannabis sativa, he added, would be transferred to the appropriate authorities for legal action.
Commitment to Vigilance and Legitimate Trade
The Customs chief reaffirmed that the FOU would sustain its vigilance against smuggling and fraud, while also supporting legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that balance security enforcement with economic growth.
He commended the backing of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and assured that the command would not relent in securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting the economy from illicit trade, and upholding the integrity of the nation’s trade environment.
