The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced a major anti-smuggling breakthrough, recording seizures worth over ₦1.88 billion and generating an additional ₦39.26 million in revenue through demand notices within September 2025.
Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday, said the successes were achieved through intensified intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing illicit trade, safeguarding national revenue, and protecting consumers from harmful products.
According to him, the Unit made 125 successful interceptions within a six-week period, leveraging advanced surveillance systems and intelligence-sharing networks across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo States.
Among the seized items were 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to 8 trailer loads), 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles, 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing approximately 431.8kg, 460 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres), 143 bales of used clothing, 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes, and a sack of used clothing.
Other items included 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 packs of foreign-branded drugs, 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 used tyres, and one 20-foot container containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate intercepted for false declaration.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items stands at ₦1,188,830,600.00, reflecting the scale and intensity of the Unit’s operations.
Comptroller Shuaibu revealed that four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.
In a demonstration of inter-agency collaboration, the seized narcotics and pharmaceuticals are to be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) respectively.
“This collaborative effort underscores the Unit’s commitment to ensuring that smuggled goods are handled in accordance with the law and that those responsible are brought to justice,” Shuaibu stated.
Between September 1 and October 7, 2025, the Unit also recovered ₦39,269,688.71 through enforcement actions against under-valuations and the issuance of Demand Notices.
While maintaining firm enforcement, Comptroller Shuaibu assured that the Unit remains equally dedicated to facilitating legitimate trade and supporting law-abiding businesses to operate smoothly.
He reaffirmed: “The Federal Operations Unit Zone A remains unwavering in its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy. Through sustained intelligence-led operations and advanced surveillance technologies, we will continue to secure our borders, protect national revenue, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.”