Customs FOU lkeja Lands Seizures Worth #3.1bn In 3 Weeks

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone A (FOU A), has announced a sweeping crackdown on smuggling activities across the South-West geopolitical zone, resulting in the interception of contraband goods valued at over ₦3.1 billion.

At a press briefing held in Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller MS Shuaibu detailed the unit’s intensified enforcement operations over the past three weeks, which led to the seizure of 76 smuggling attempts and the arrest of 13 suspects.

He gave the breakdown of the intercepted goods, recovered through intelligence-driven operations to include the under listed:

4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), equivalent to seven trailer loads

22 used vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks

12,125 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in 485 jerry cans

120 bales of used clothing

57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa

47 cartons of foreign poultry products

770 jerry cans of foreign vegetable oil

In addition, eight containers were seized for misdeclaration and duty evasion. These included:

Container Number Contents
MSKU-1629585 Used shoes and canvas
MSKU-0733723 Auto spare parts, used tyres, vehicles
TCNU-9441240 Furniture
ACLU-9673721 Spare parts, used tyres, vehicles
TEMU-4596866 Furniture
TCLU-3866419 Furniture
TCKU-3962096 Furniture
TCKU-1497232 Pali bitters drinks
Shuaibu explained that these seizures were made at strategic locations including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State; and various points within Lagos metropolis.

He also disclosed that thirteen suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures.

He said while some have been granted administrative bail, others have been transferred to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.

This is even as the seized Cannabis Sativa were handed over to appropriate authorities for further legal action, in line with inter-agency collaboration protocols.

Speaking further he said that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items stands at a staggering ₦3,144,680,000.00.

He added that the Unit recovered ₦47,834,397.29 through Demand Notices issued for under-declared imports between July 18 and August 12, 2025.

Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that while the Unit remains vigilant against smuggling and fraud, it also plays a critical role in facilitating legitimate trade.
“We continue to support lawful commerce through intelligence-driven operations that balance security enforcement with economic growth,” he stated.
He commended the dedication of his operatives and called on the public to report suspicious activities, adding:
“We will not relent in our mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment and protect our economy from illicit trade.”