By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, has ramped up its anti-smuggling campaign, recording 46 seizures and arresting seven suspects within two weeks, with the total value of intercepted goods exceeding ₦1.28 billion.
Controller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed the development on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Lagos. He stated that the operation was informed by renewed intelligence-led strategies aimed at curbing smuggling and protecting the nation’s economy from sabotage.
“These seizures reflect our intensified resolve to tackle smuggling and criminality head-on. Our operatives have delivered significant blows to economic saboteurs determined to undermine Nigeria’s economy,” Shuaibu said.
On 23 and 24 May 2025, at approximately 3:00 am and 2:30 am respectively, Customs patrol teams intercepted two 40-foot containers, MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090, along the Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2 corridors in Lagos. Upon inspection, both containers were found to contain dismantled vehicles, including seven Mitsubishi Canters, five Toyota Hiace buses, and three mini shuttle buses, concealed in a bid to evade appropriate customs duties.
Other confiscated items included bulletproof vests, used bicycles, 312 bales of printed wax fabric, 23 bales of used clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, 30 used flat-screen televisions, 65 tabletop cookers, and 31 split-unit air conditioners. Shuaibu confirmed that these goods violate provisions under Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff.
On 19 May 2025, around 3:00 am, a separate patrol team intercepted a Volvo truck transporting 1,263 used tyres and other contraband goods. One suspect was apprehended during the operation.
That same day at 11:00 pm, officers conducting routine surveillance along the Shagamu/Ijebu-Ode Expressway in Ogun State stopped a truck with registration number T24623LA. The vehicle was found to be transporting uncustomed goods, including bulletproof vests and several packages of Tramadol, a controlled substance.
On 26 May 2025, around 6:00 am, the Ijebu-Ode patrol team, acting on intelligence, arrested an empty Mercedes Benz truck. A meticulous inspection revealed hidden compartments loaded with Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp). One suspect was taken into custody in connection with the discovery.
Shuaibu explained that patrol teams across border communities in six southwestern states had intensified surveillance operations, resulting in multiple seizures of goods such as foreign rice, used vehicles, Cannabis Sativa, and other smuggled items. Hotspots included Imeko, Ilaro, Owode, Idiroko, Ilara, Ihumbo, Abeokuta, Badagry, Agbara, Gbaji, Shaki, and Iseyin in Oyo State.
The Controller listed a breakdown of the two-week haul as follows: 2,051 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), equivalent to four trailer-loads; 11 used vehicles (popularly known as Tokunbo); 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa; 4,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); one white-and-black J5 commercial bus loaded with expired goods; and a Volvo truck carrying 180 sacks of new towels.
The cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of the seizures stands at ₦1,285,600,383.
Shuaibu noted that these accomplishments came just three weeks after he assumed leadership of the Unit on 23 April 2025. Prior to this, officers had recorded the seizure of over seven trailer-loads of foreign rice, PMS, vehicles, drugs, and narcotics with a DPV of more than ₦1.5 billion.
As the lead agency in border security and trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service, he said, is committed to maintaining the delicate balance between regulation and legitimate commerce by using risk management tools.
“We are fully aware that those whose illicit operations have been disrupted by our activities will continue to devise new methods to undermine our efforts. But let it be clear that we remain undeterred,” he said.
Shuaibu reassured the public of the Service’s unwavering commitment to its responsibilities, rejecting attempts by detractors to discredit the work and sacrifices of Customs officers.
“As these criminals grow bolder, we at the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ will reinforce our defences and remain ahead of their schemes. The Nigeria Customs Service will keep designing and executing sustainable initiatives to expand our economy, raise government revenue, and foster legitimate trade,” he added.
He concluded by confirming that the 1,665kg of Indian hemp would be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.