The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its war against smuggling, recording major interceptions that include 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to eight trailer loads, along with other contraband items valued at over N1.18 billion within six weeks.
Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who disclosed this on Tuesday, during a press briefing at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, said the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states.
He revealed that the unit made a total of 125 successful interceptions between September 1 and October 7, 2025, as part of its sustained crackdown on smugglers and economic saboteurs.
Items seized include; 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles, 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing about 431.8kg, 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (11,500 litres), 143 bales of used clothing, 390 bottles of Codeine, foreign-branded drugs, 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 used tyres, and a 20-foot container of Calcium Lactate intercepted for false declaration.
Shuaibu stated that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures stood at N1,188,830,600.00, reflecting the scale and intensity of ongoing enforcement efforts.
According to him, 4 suspects were arrested in connection with the operations and would be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
The Comptroller reiterated the Service’s commitment to enforcing the federal government’s ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders, warning that “selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction will face dire consequences.”
“Our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated missions,” he warned, adding that the seizures reaffirm the unit’s operational capability and underscores her resolve to confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine federal government policies.
In demonstrating inter-agency collaboration, Shuaibu handed over the seized Cannabis Sativa and pharmaceutical products to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.
He further revealed that the unit recovered N39,269,688.71 through demand notices and enforcement actions against importers who engaged in under-valuation and other forms of duty evasion.
While reaffirming the Customs Service’s zero tolerance for smuggling, Shuaibu assured that legitimate traders would continue to enjoy smooth operations.
