‘We’ll Continue To Match Smugglers Antics Irrespective Of Blackmail’ – Says Shuaibu

…As Customs FOU Zone ‘A’ Intercepts Containers Laden With 15 Shred Vehicles

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Comptroller Shuaibu showcasing some of the seizures

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A Lagos yesterday, Tuesday June 3, 2025 disclosed it intercepted two containers laden with 15 vehicles strangely cut into pieces within Lagos metropolis, in addition to several other seizures which consist of eleven used vehicles, popularly known as Tokumbo vehicles; 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa; 4000 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS); bullet proof vests amongst others.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, Customs Unit Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu who said the entire seizure stands at N1.2billion, said the unit will continue to match the desperation of smugglers and economic saboteurs, tact for tact and remain a step ahead of them; despite the resort to cheap blackmail oftentimes.

According to Shuaibu, “On the 23rd and 24th of May 2025, at about 0300hrs and 0230hrs, our patrol teams within Lagos metropolis acted on intelligence intercepted and seized 2X40FT containers with containers numbers (MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090) respectively along Ijora-Olopa, and mile 2 axis.

“The examination reports of these containers revealed the following contents: Seven (7) Mitsubishi Canters, Five(5) Toyota Hiace Buses, and Three (3) Mini Shuttle Buses all cut up with their parts complete with clear intention of evade Customs duties. Other items include used bicycles, 312, Bales of printed wax, 23 Bales of used clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, and 30 used flat screens televisions, 65 table top cookers, and 31 unit of used split air conditioning and among others. The importation of these items contravenes schedule 4 of the common external tariff.

“Similarly, on the19th of May 2025 at about 0300hrs hours another patrol team intercepted a Volvo truck and investigation revealed to contains 1263 pieces of used tyres and other goods. One suspect was also arrested. In the same vein,  on the 19th of May 2025 at about 2300hrs, our officers on a routine patrol along Shagamu/Ijebu-Ode express way in Ogun State, intercepted one truck with registration number T24623LA suspected to be conveying uncustoms goods including Bullet Proof vests. Again, an investigation report revealed the content to include some packages of Tramadol.

“Furthermore, on the 26th of May 2025, at about 0600hrs, through intelligence-driven operations, our men on the Ijebu-Ode patrol team arrested one empty Mercedes Benz truck. Thorough rummaging of the truck and careful observation by our officers led to the uncovering of the concealment of Cannabis Sativa (India Hemp) in the compartments of the truck. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.

“Additionally, our patrol teams around the borders areas across the six (6) states of the Southwest have intensified surveillance of our borders against unscrupulous elements among Nigerians, resulting in several seizures of rice, Cannabis Sativa, used cars and other goods in a flash points of Imeko, Ilaro, Owode, Idiroko , Ilara,  Ihumbo,Abeokuta, Badagry,  Agbara,  Gbaji, shaki and Iseyin in Oyo state.”

Giving further breakdown of some of the seizures, Shuaibu said, “In all, Forty- Six (46) interceptions were recorded during this two (2) weeks of operations comprising the following: Rice 2051X50kg each foreign parboiled rice equivalent to three (4) trailer loads; Eleven (11) used vehicles, popularly known as tokumbo vehicles; 1665kg of Cannabis Sativa; 4000 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS); One white and Black J5 commercial Bus loaded with expired goods; and One Volvo Truck containing 180 sacks of new towel.”

This is even as he stated that seven (7) suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures, which has a combined duty paid value (DPV) of one billion, two hundred and eighty-five million,  six hundred thousand,  three hundred and eighty-three naira (N1,285, 600,383.00) only.

Speaking further, he said, “The Nigeria Customs Service as a lead agency in border security and facilitators of trade, we are not unaware of the need to balance both responsibilities through risk management tools at our disposal. We are also aware that those whose illicit businesses have been significantly hindered by our operations will spare no efforts in devising different methods to counter us.

“We would like to assure the public that we will continue to remain alive to our responsibilities and will not be deterred by naysayers or anyone intent to casting aspirations on our officers who have always paid ultimate price for the service to their country.

“As criminals get more desperate and daring, we at the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ will ensure the sustainability of a more formidable defense against any antics devised by these non-state actors. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to design and implement sustainable programs that will grow our economy, increase revenue for the government, and encourage legitimate trade.”

Shuaibu informed that while the seized 1665kg of Indian hemp and will be handed over to the relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution, the unit will also continue to sustain its revenue recovery vibes.

“The unit continued to hardness all revenue components under the unit to recover loss revenue from the evaders. Within these two (2) weeks of operations, the unit recovered a total of forty-eight million, three hundred and forty thousand, seven hundred and twenty naira, eight kobo (N48,340,720.08) only, through issuance of demand notices (DN) from the improper declaration of consignments.”

Unarguably a top smugglers’ nightmare, Shuaibu also regarded as a shrewd administrator said since taking over the leadership of the mobile unit, he has reintroduced some essential aspects of the service’s activities to promote the fitness of officers and men hitherto put on abeyance.

“When I assumed duty here, we looked at some of our institutional activities which have been relegated to the background and what we could do to boost the morale of our officers.

“We understand that our monthly parades, weekly sporting activities, and conducive working atmosphere were the major concerns. As of today, we have resuscitated the monthly parades and weekly sporting activities.

“Let me at this junction commend our officers for their unwavering dedication, steadfastness, gallantry, and integrity who led to these achievements. I also thank our stakeholders and partners, especially the media, for their modest reportage”, he said.