Customs FOU Zone ‘A’ Declares N1.7Bn Seizures In 7 Weeks

BY FUNMI ALUKO

ACG Ejibunu and Compt. Shuaibu showing news men around the seizures

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A yesterday, Friday, July 18, 2025 announced a total of 102 interventions between June 3-July 18, 2025, resulting into assortments of seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of one billion, Seven Hundred and eighty four million four hundred and thirty two thousand Naira (1,784,432,000).

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen at the Service’s Ikeja-Lagos facility explained that in the past four weeks, from June 3rd to July 18th, 2025, the Unit has sustained a high operational tempo across the southwestern states.

The CGC who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Finance and Admin, ACG Hussein Ejibunu stated that during the period under review, a total of 102 enforcement interventions were recorded, leading to the interception of a wide range of prohibited and smuggled goods.

Ejibuno who also doubles as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind said, “Our intelligence-led operations have enabled us to proactively intercept smuggled goods, disrupt illicit supply chains, and strengthen border enforcement.”

He listed the seized items as follows:

• 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) – equivalent to 6 trailer loads
• 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp)
• 7,900 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – in 316 jerry cans of 25 liters each
• 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing
• 41 sacks and bags of used footwear
• 14 units of used (“Tokunbo”) vehicles
• 148 pieces of used tyres
• 42 used gas cylinders
• 31 units of air conditioning systems
• 95 cartons of frozen poultry products

Other notable seizures include 1X40FT container with container number TRHU 83907321 fully loaded with used tyres, 1X20FT with container number ONEU241369 containing medicaments. Others are 2X40FT with containers numbers MSKU 4796036, MAEU 9205708, and one truck with container body conveying used fridges, foreign supermarket items and used clothes.

Speaking further, Ejibunu said all the affected seized containers were wrongly declared to invade duties.

On revenue recovery, he said the Unit recovered a total of Ninety-Five Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty-One Naira, Forty-Seven Kobo (₦95,587,231.47 ) in underpaid duties, through the issuance of Demand Notices (DN).

The representative of the CGC who disclosed that a total of nine (9) suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures, explained that while some were granted administrative bail, “others have been, or will be, handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

Unit Public Relations Officer, Onawo Hussaini conducting the proceedings

On trade facilitation, he said: “While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.”

Speaking further he said “In addition to our enforcement duties, the Unit also ensures compliance with import and export regulations. We have continued to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where appropriate.

“The Federal Operations Unit remains deeply committed to executing its mandate with the utmost professionalism and in strict adherence to extant regulations. Our operations are conducted with restraint, respect for human rights, and a commitment to peaceful enforcement.

“To enhance synergy and support for our activities, I have embarked on familiarization visits to traditional institutions and sister security agencies across the zone. These visits aim to deepen collaboration in our collective effort to combat trans-border crimes and enhance national security.”

The CGC who attributed the impressive scorecard to officers and men of the unit’, said “These achievements would not be possible without the dedication and courage of our gallant officers, who risk their lives daily to secure our borders and protect the national economy. Their sacrifices are commendable and deserve public recognition”, adding:

“The milestones we’ve recorded are a testament to the Nigerian Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring national security.”

The Unit Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu said officers and men of the unit will not negotiate its responsibility while showing the CGC and reporters around the seizures.