By Kehinde Ibrahim, Lagos
THE Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its crackdown on smuggling, recording seizures worth over ₦1.18 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) within a six-week period.
Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who addressed journalists in Lagos on Tuesday highlighted the unit’s recent achievements and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders, economy, and citizens.
“Our unit remains firm and focused on safeguarding our nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit activities,” Shuaibu said.
He disclosed that the FOU Zone A had intensified intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing smuggling, protecting government revenue, and shielding consumers from dangerous and counterfeit goods. Through enhanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing across southwestern states, the unit successfully intercepted 125 smuggling attempts between early September and October 2025.
Among the notable seizures were 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to eight trailer loads, 15 used vehicles, 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 431.8kg, 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres), 143 bales of used clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, and one sack of used clothing, 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 used tyres and one 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate seized for false declaration.
The seizures, made across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states, also led to the arrest of four suspects, who are to be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
In line with inter-agency cooperation, Shuaibu announced that the confiscated Cannabis Sativa and pharmaceutical products would be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.
He reminded the public that the 2016 federal government policy banning the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders remains in force. “Some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction will face the consequences. Our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission,” he warned.
Shuaibu emphasized that the magnitude of the seizures reflected the unit’s operational efficiency and determination to confront economic saboteurs undermining national security and government policies. He also disclosed that between September 1 and October 7, 2025, the unit recovered ₦39.27 million through demand notices and enforcement actions against under-valued imports.
While reiterating the Service’s zero tolerance for smuggling, Shuaibu assured that the Customs would continue to support legitimate trade. “We remain committed to facilitating lawful business activities without unnecessary hindrance,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the unit’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations and the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies to secure Nigeria’s borders and support the nation’s economic growth.
