The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its clampdown on smugglers and economic saboteurs, recording significant seizures valued at over ₦1.18 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) within six weeks.
Addressing journalists at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, reaffirmed the Unit’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy and national security through strategic anti-smuggling operations.
“Our Unit remains firm and focused on safeguarding the nation’s borders, curbing illicit trade, and protecting consumers from dangerous products,” Shuaibu stated.
He said that through intelligence-driven operations and enhanced surveillance across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states, the Unit made 125 successful interceptions. The confiscated items include: 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 8 trailer loads), 15 used vehicles (Tokunbo), 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (weighing approximately 431.8kg), 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres), 143 bales of used clothing, 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes, and 1 sack of used clothing, 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 packs of foreign-labelled drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 pieces of used tyres, One 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, intercepted for false declaration and Four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and are currently under investigation, with plans to transfer them to relevant prosecuting agencies.
Shuaibu also highlighted the recovery of ₦39.2 million between September 1 and October 7, 2025, through the issuance of demand notices related to under-declared goods and revenue shortfalls.
Demonstrating inter-agency collaboration, the Comptroller confirmed that all illicit drugs and narcotics would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action.
He issued a stern reminder that the Federal Government’s 2016 ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders remains in full effect, warning that “unpatriotic individuals who defy this restriction will continue to suffer heavy losses.”
“These seizures underscore our resolve to confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine government policies,” he said. “Our efforts are aimed not only at enforcement but also at facilitating legitimate trade and enabling honest businesses to thrive.”
Shuaibu concluded by assuring the public that the FOU Zone A will continue to deploy advanced surveillance and intelligence strategies to secure Nigeria’s borders and protect its economic interests.