The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has intercepted contraband goods valued at N3.1 billion and arrested 13 suspects across the South-West within three weeks.
Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Muhammad Shua’ibu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos, noting that the seizures were made in Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, and Lagos states.
“I am pleased to report significant breakthroughs achieved by our dedicated officers and operatives through intelligence-driven operations over the past three weeks. These efforts led to a total of 76 interceptions of smuggled and contraband goods,” Shua’ibu said.
The seized items include 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to seven trailer loads; 22 used vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks; 485 jerrycans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit, totaling 12,125 litres; 120 bales of used clothing; 57 parcels of cannabis sativa; 47 cartons of frozen poultry; and 770 jerrycans of vegetable oil.
Shua’ibu said the unit also uncovered eight containers of under-declared imports and attempted duty evasions, collectively worth N3.13 billion. Between July 18 and August 12, the FOU raised N47.8 million from demand notices on infractions.
“Thirteen suspects were arrested, granted administrative bail, while some cases have been handed over to relevant security agencies for investigation and prosecution. The seized cannabis will be transferred to the appropriate authorities,” he added.
Commending the support of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, Shua’ibu pledged continued vigilance against smuggling and fraud. “The unit will uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment and protect the economy from illicit trade practices while supporting legitimate commerce,” he said.
