The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A has declared its determination to dismantle smuggling networks in the South-West following the arrest of 13 suspects and the seizure of contraband valued at ₦3.14 billion.
Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu made the disclosure during a press briefing on Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos. The announcement was later shared on the Service’s verified X handle on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
According to Shuaibu, anti-smuggling operations conducted over the past three weeks yielded goods worth ₦3,144,680,000 through intelligence-led strategies, with operatives recording 76 successful interceptions.
The seizures include:
4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice
22 used vehicles
485 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
57 parcels of cannabis sativa
120 bales of used clothing
In addition, eight containers loaded with items such as used shoes, furniture, alcoholic beverages, auto parts, used tyres, and vehicles were confiscated for misdeclaration or duty evasion.
Thirteen suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. While some have been granted administrative bail, others remain in the custody of relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Comptroller Shuaibu commended the efforts of his officers, stressing the Unit’s unwavering commitment to border security. He assured that the Customs Service would continue to leverage intelligence and inter-agency cooperation to suppress smuggling.
In a demonstration of such collaboration, the seized cannabis sativa was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Receiving the items, NDLEA Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Bungudu Nasiru, applauded the synergy between both agencies, noting that the seizure would strengthen Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs and bolster national security.
Shuaibu reaffirmed that the Customs Service will sustain the crackdown on economic saboteurs and ensure the protection of Nigeria’s revenue base.
Credit: @CustomsNG via X.
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