Lagos — The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted and seized contraband goods valued at over N1.2 billion within a six-week period, as part of intensified anti-smuggling operations across the South-West region.
Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, said the seizures demonstrate the unit’s renewed commitment to curbing smuggling and enforcing Nigeria’s trade regulations.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the confiscated items stood at N1.188 billion. Shu’aibu explained that the seizures were the result of intelligence-led patrols, strategic deployment of officers, and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies.
Among the items seized were 5,015 bags of foreign rice (equivalent to eight trailer loads), 15 assorted used vehicles, 143 bales of used clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, and one sack of assorted worn apparel.
In addition, Customs operatives confiscated 390 bottles of codeine syrup, 310 packs of foreign-branded drugs, 19 cards of tramadol, and 210 used tyres. Shu’aibu further revealed that a 20-foot container, marked ONEU 2419369 FTC, was impounded for false declaration, after being discovered to contain 752 cartons of calcium lactate.
The unit also intercepted 640 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 431.8 kilograms, as well as 460 jerrycans of petrol (equivalent to 11,500 litres), which were being smuggled out of the country.
Comptroller Shu’aibu confirmed that four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and have since been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
He added that the unit recovered N39.2 million through demand notices issued to importers for under-valuation of goods between September 1 and October 7, 2025.
“The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, remains resolute in its duty to safeguard the nation’s economic interests. These results underscore our officers’ dedication, resilience, and strategic use of intelligence in enforcing customs laws,” Shu’aibu stated.
He reaffirmed the Service’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling and urged legitimate traders to adhere strictly to import and export regulations.
Analysts say the scale of recent seizures reflects the Customs Service’s intensified crackdown on illicit trade amid ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and improve revenue generation for the Federal Government.
