Smuggling syndicates suffer setback as customs intercepts contraband Oil worth ₦403.5m in South-East

…Smuggling killing jobs,FX, industry – Balogun 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, has intercepted a large consignment of smuggled foreign vegetable oil valued at over ₦403.5 million, in what authorities described as a major blow to illicit trade networks undermining Nigeria’s domestic manufacturing sector.

The seizure, which involved more than 3,300 jerrycans of prohibited vegetable oil products, was made through intelligence-driven operations conducted by officers of the Unit across strategic routes in the South-East.

Speaking during a press briefing in Owerri, Imo State, on Monday, 15 June, the Comptroller in charge of FOU Zone C, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, said the operation underscored the Service’s commitment to enforcing government trade policies and protecting local industries from unfair competition posed by smuggled goods.

According to him, the seized products comprised 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 10 jerrycans of 10-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 20 cartons of 5-litre sunflower vegetable oil and 20 cartons of 3-litre sunflower vegetable oil.

Balogun disclosed that one of the trucks conveying the products was intercepted at about 10 p.m. on May 9, 2026, along the 9th Mile axis in Enugu State, while a second truck was apprehended on June 7, 2026, along the Onitsha–Agbor Highway following credible intelligence reports.

He said the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items stood at ₦403,491,000.

“This seizure represents a significant victory in our ongoing campaign against economic sabotage and smuggling. The illegal importation of foreign vegetable oil not only violates existing trade regulations but also threatens local industries, discourages investment, limits technology transfer, reduces employment opportunities and impacts the nation’s foreign exchange earnings,” the Comptroller stated.

He noted that the Federal Government’s policy restricting the importation of foreign vegetable oil was designed to encourage local production, boost industrial growth and strengthen Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in the edible oil sector.

According to him, the latest seizure demonstrates the determination of the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and other fiscal measures aimed at protecting the domestic economy.

Balogun warned individuals and syndicates involved in smuggling activities to abandon such practices, stressing that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence gathering, surveillance and strategic enforcement operations to combat illegal trade.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in safeguarding the nation’s economy, protecting legitimate businesses and ensuring compliance with government trade policies. Smugglers should understand that there will be no hiding place for those seeking to undermine our economic growth through illegal importation activities,” he said.

The Customs boss further revealed that the seized vegetable oil remains in the custody of the Service pending the conclusion of investigations and the commencement of appropriate legal actions against those connected to the smuggling attempt.

He reiterated the commitment of FOU Zone C to intensify intelligence-led operations across its area of responsibility, while calling on members of the public to support the Service with credible information that could assist in tackling smuggling and other forms of economic crimes.

The latest interception adds to a series of enforcement successes recorded by the Unit in recent months as the Nigeria Customs Service continues efforts to curb illicit trade, protect local industries and strengthen national economic development.