N1.88b seizure,N39.26m revenue: FOU customs anti-smuggling efforts pay off

…Seizes 8 trailer loads of foreign rice, other contraband 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded significant anti-smuggling successes, seizing items worth N1.88 billion and generating N39.26 million in revenue through demand notices in September 2025.

The unit’s Comptroller, Mohammed Shauibu, who made the disclosure on Tuesday stated that the seized items included 5,015 bags of foreign rice, 15 used vehicles, 640 parcels of cannabis, and other contraband. The unit remains committed to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy.

The Zone A he affirmed remained, “firm and focused on safeguarding our nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit activities.”

He explained that the Unit had intensified its anti-smuggling operations through intelligence-driven strategies, which were aimed at curbing illicit goods trafficking, safeguarding revenue, and protecting consumers from hazardous and counterfeit products.

According to him, the Unit leveraged advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing frameworks across the southwestern states, resulting in 125 successful interceptions within a six-week period.

The seized items are 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 1 sack of used clothing.

Others are 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 pieces of used tyres, and One 20-foot container containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, intercepted “for false declaration”.

The controller revealed that the seizures occurred in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the operations and will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is ₦1,188,830,600.00, reflecting the scale of the operations.

In a demonstration of inter-agency collaboration, the seized Cannabis Sativa and pharmaceuticals will be handed over 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,” he said.

From September 1 to October 7, 2025, he disclosed the Unit recovered ₦39,269,688.71 through Demand Notices and enforcement against under-valuation. Comptroller Shuaibu assured that while the unit maintains strong enforcement, it remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring lawful businesses operate smoothly.

He reiterated the unit’s unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy through intelligence-led operations and advanced surveillance technologies, securing borders, protecting national revenue, and contributing to economic growth.

He also disclosed that from 1st September to 7th October 2025, the Unit recovered ₦39,269,688.71 through the issuance of “Demand Notices” and enforcement against under-valuations. While maintaining strong enforcement, Shuaibu assured that the unit also remained committed to “facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that lawful businesses operate without unnecessary hindrance.”

He reiterated that “the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ remains unwavering in its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy,” adding that through sustained intelligence-led operations and the strategic deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, the unit would continue to secure Nigeria’s borders, protect national revenue, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.