In its continued onslaught against smugglers to protect the nation’s economy, the Federal Operations Unit Zone 'A' of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), led by Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, has intensified its efforts to combat smuggling operations within the South West geographical zones, Seized N1.18b Worth of Contraband
The Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed this on Tuesday, during a press briefing at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, said the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states.
The seized items include 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice, equivalent to 8 trailer loads, 15 used vehicles popularly known as tokumbo, 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 431.8kg, 460 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit, about 11,500 litres, 143 bales of used clothings, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, 390 bottles of codeine, 310 foreign branded drugs, 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 pieces of used tyres, one 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FCT) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate that was intercepted for false declaration and various other contraband goods.
Shuaibu disclosed that all the seized items have a total Duty Paid Value of N1,188,830,600.00, a pointer to an enhanced surveillance by the Unit.
Four suspects according were arrested in connection with the seizures and will face prosecution.They will be handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution upon conclusion of inquiries.
The custom boss said the unit remained firm and focused on safeguarding the nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit activities.
"He warned that those who defy the law will face consequences, stating, noting that some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction will face the consequences, and our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission”.
The unit recovered ₦39,269,688.71 through demand notices and enforcement against under-valuations between September 1 and October 7, 2025. Shuaibu assured that the unit will continue to facilitate legitimate trade while combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy.
According to Comptr. Shuaibu, the seized Cannabis Sativa and pharmaceutical products would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.
He called on Nigerians to support the Service’s mission, viewing enforcement as a patriotic duty to safeguard the nation’s future. He reiterated that the crackdown is part of a broader national strategy to promote industrial growth and encourage patronage of locally made goods.
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