The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling campaign, with officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, seizing contraband goods valued at more than ₦1.2 billion in just six weeks.
The unit’s Comptroller, Mohammed Shu’aibu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, emphasizing that the operation reflected the service’s renewed vigilance and tighter enforcement measures across the South-West region.
₦1.188 Billion in Seized Goods
According to Shu’aibu, the confiscated items carried a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1.188 billion. The seizures, he said, resulted from the strategic deployment of intelligence, coordinated patrols, and inter-agency collaboration aimed at dismantling smuggling networks.
Among the seized goods were 5,015 bags of imported rice, equivalent to eight trailer loads, 15 used vehicles, 143 bales of second-hand clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, and a sack of assorted worn apparel.
“These results demonstrate the Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy from the damaging effects of smuggling,” Shu’aibu stated, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Drugs, Codeine, and Cannabis Among Intercepted Items
The Comptroller also revealed that officers intercepted 390 bottles of codeine, 310 packs of foreign-branded drugs, 19 cards of tramadol, and 210 used tyres during the operation.
In addition, a 20-foot container with registration number ONEU 2419369 FTC, declared as a different item, was discovered to contain 752 cartons of calcium lactate — a case of false declaration now under investigation.
Other contraband included 640 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 431.8 kilogrammes and 460 jerrycans of petrol, totalling 11,500 litres, intended for illegal export.
Arrests and Recoveries
Shu’aibu confirmed that four suspects had been arrested in connection with the seizures and handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
The command also recovered ₦39.2 million through demand notices issued against importers who attempted to under-declare their goods’ value between September 1 and October 7, 2025.
“These recoveries underscore our dedication to ensuring that legitimate traders comply with customs laws and pay accurate duties,” Shu’aibu said.
Collaboration with NAFDAC and NDLEA
The seized drugs and narcotics were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for proper investigation and disposal.
NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr. Taiwo Kareem, commended Customs for its vigilance, revealing that the intercepted pharmaceuticals had expired between 2001 and 2023. He cautioned Nigerians against purchasing medicines from roadside vendors, warning of the dangers posed by expired or counterfeit drugs.
Similarly, NDLEA Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Nasir Bungudu, praised the synergy among the agencies, pledging continued collaboration in tackling drug trafficking and smuggling-related offences.
Customs Reaffirms Commitment to Border Protection
Reiterating the service’s stance, Shu’aibu emphasized that the NCS would continue to enforce the 2016 federal government ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice and other prohibited goods through land borders.
He warned smugglers to desist from illicit trade, noting that the service would not relent in its efforts to protect the nation’s borders and economy.
“I commend the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, for his visionary leadership and commitment to strengthening customs operations nationwide,” Shu’aibu concluded.
