In a sweeping operation that underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s resolve to frustrate smugglers’ evolving tactics, officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A have seized contraband items worth over ₦1.28 billion and arrested seven suspects within just one week of intensified enforcement.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Lagos, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who assumed duty as the new helmsman of the Unit barely a month ago, disclosed that the seizures were recorded between May 19 and 26 across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States. He noted that the growing desperation of smugglers has triggered more cunning concealment methods, but the Service has remained undeterred in its commitment to intercepting all forms of economic sabotage.
Chief among the seizures were two 40-foot containers discovered around the Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2 axis in Lagos, where Customs officers uncovered a cache of cut-up vehicles—seven Mitsubishi Canters, five Toyota Hiace buses, and three mini buses—all concealed to beat the system. Also hidden inside the containers were dozens of used gas cylinders, printed wax materials, used clothing, televisions, and home appliances—all of which fall under prohibited or restricted items according to Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff.
On the same day, May 19, a Volvo truck loaded with 1,263 used tyres and other smuggled goods was intercepted, and one suspect was arrested. Later that night, during routine patrol along the Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode Expressway, a separate team intercepted another truck bearing bulletproof vests and pharmaceutical contraband, including Tramadol.
In what has been described as one of the more cunning attempts to evade detection, a seemingly empty Mercedes-Benz truck was stopped on May 26. After careful inspection, officers uncovered a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa concealed within secret compartments. The driver was promptly arrested.
Comptroller Shuaibu said that these busts were not isolated but the result of a web of surveillance operations spanning several border communities including Imeko, Ilaro, Idiroko, Ilara, Badagry, Saki, and Iseyin. The strategy, according to him, has enabled the Service to stay ahead of smugglers who constantly tweak their methods to beat enforcement.
Other seizures recorded during the period included over 2,000 bags of smuggled parboiled rice, 11 used vehicles, 4,000 litres of petroleum products, and a J5 bus loaded with expired products. In total, 46 seizures were made, and seven suspects were arrested in connection with these crimes.
Beyond physical interceptions, the Unit recovered over ₦48 million through Demand Notices issued to defaulting importers, reflecting the Service’s resolve to plug all revenue leakages.
“We are dealing with smugglers who are becoming more sophisticated and daring,” Shuaibu said. “But as they step up their tricks, we are also intensifying our vigilance, deploying intelligence and field strategy to ensure they fail.”
The Customs boss also used the briefing to shed light on internal morale-boosting measures since his assumption of office, which include the revival of monthly parades and regular sporting activities to enhance the physical and psychological wellbeing of officers.
Shuaibu praised his officers for their courage and professionalism, reiterating that their actions are not just about enforcement but about national security and economic recovery. He also extended appreciation to media practitioners and the general public for their role in enlightening citizens on the dangers of smuggling and illegal trade.
“We will not relent. Every seizure we make is a statement to smugglers that the game is up. The Nigeria Customs Service under my watch will continue to operate with integrity, commitment, and professionalism,” he said.
The seized Indian hemp, he noted, would be handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution, as part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration to dismantle criminal networks operating along Nigeria’s trade corridors.
FOU Zone ‘A’ Customs Intercepts Contraband Worth Over N1.2bn In Two Weeks
