The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded major enforcement successes in the South-West zone, with the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja–Lagos, intercepting smuggled goods valued at over ₦1.78 billion between June 3 and July 18, 2025.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi represented by ACG
Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, during a press briefing on Friday in Lagos. He noted that the unit carried out 102 enforcement interventions within the four-week period, resulting in the seizure of a wide range of prohibited items and the arrest of nine suspects.
Among the seizures were:
* 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), equivalent to six trailer loads
* 304kg of Cannabis Sativa
* 7,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in 316 jerry cans
* 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing
* 41 sacks and bags of used footwear
* 14 used vehicles
* 148 used tyres
* 42 used gas cylinders
* 31 air conditioning systems
* 95 cartons of frozen poultry products
Other notable interceptions include several containers with false declarations: a 40-foot container (TRHU 83907321) loaded with used tyres; a 20-foot container (ONEU241369) carrying medicaments; two additional 40-foot containers (MSKU 4796036 and MAEU 9205708); and one truck conveying used refrigerators, foreign supermarket goods, and used clothes.
“All the containers were wrongly declared to evade duty payments,” Adeniyi revealed.
The arrested suspects are currently undergoing investigation, with some granted administrative bail and others being transferred to relevant security agencies for possible prosecution.
In addition to enforcement operations, the unit recovered ₦95.6 million in revenue through the issuance of Demand Notices to correct under-declared imports. This figure reflects increased vigilance in monitoring import declarations and enforcing compliance with customs regulations.
Adeniyi commended the professionalism and bravery of the officers and men of the unit, stating, “Their sacrifices are commendable and deserve public recognition.” He also reiterated the unit’s commitment to human rights, peaceful enforcement, and support for legitimate trade.
As part of efforts to enhance collaboration, the CG said he had embarked on familiarization visits to traditional institutions and sister security agencies across the zone, in a bid to improve inter-agency cooperation against trans-border crimes.
The Customs boss urged the public to continue supporting the Service by reporting suspicious activities, adding that the milestones achieved reflect the Service’s resolve to protect Nigeria’s economy and national security.