By Andrew Utulu
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A,’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), laid by Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu has intensified anti-smuggling war in the Southwest area of the Country, with the smashing of syndicates which specialize in smuggling of both contraband and hard drugs.
The Unit disclosed that 13 suspects have been arrested in the last three weeks following the onslaught.
The Unit also disclosed that it intercepted and seized 76 smuggled and contraband goods as well as eight containers of improperly declared goods with intention of owners to evade payment of duties.
Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu disclosed during a press briefing in Lagos.
The seized goods, according to him, include 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each, which is equivalent to seven trailer loads, 22 used (tokunbo) vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks, 485 jerry cans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 12,125 litres, 120 bales of used clothing; 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 47 cartons of foreign poultry products and 770 jerry cans of 25 litres each of foreign vegetable oil.
The 8 containers with false or improperly declared items include 4x40ft containers marked MSKU-1629585 containing sacks of used shoes and canvas; MSKU-0733723 containing auto spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles, TCNU-9441240 containing furniture; ACLU-9673721 containing spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles, 4x20ft containers marked TEMU-4596866 containing furniture, TCLU-3866419 also contining furniture; TCKU-3962096 containing furniture and TCKU-1497232 containing Pali bitters drinks.
Comptroller Shuaibu said: “I extend a warm welcome to you all as we gather once again for a crucial engagement to shed light on our recent accomplishments in the fight against smuggling. As an enforcement arm of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), our mandate remains firm and focused to safeguard our nation’s borders, protect the economy, and combat all forms of illicit trade.
“In line with this mandate, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ has intensified surveillance and enforcement activities across the six states of the South-West geopolitical zone.
“Today, I am pleased to report significant breakthroughs achieved by our dedicated officers and operatives through intelligence driven operations over the past three weeks. These efforts led to a total of seventy-six (76) interceptions of smuggled and contraband goods.
“These seizures occurred at strategic points across the South-Western states, including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State and the Lagos metropolis.
“A total of 13 suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures. While some have been granted administrative bail, others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at N3,144,680,000.00 only.
“In line with our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized Cannabis Sativa will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
“These seizures underscore the operational capabilities and strategic effectiveness of our operatives. They also reinforce our unwavering resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and confront economic saboteurs whose actions threaten national security and undermine the fiscal policies of the federal government,” the Controller, FOU Zone A asserted.
He explained that beyond enforcement, FOU Zone ‘A’ also plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.
“We continue to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where necessary,” adding that between July 18, and August 12, 2025, the Unit recovered a total of N47,834,397.29
“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.
“I commend the tireless efforts of our operatives and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to securing our nation’s borders against all forms of economic sabotage. We will not relent in our mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment and protect our economy from illicit trade practices.”
The Controller handed over 57 parcels of seized Cannabis Sativa and three suspects to the representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
