NCS Intercepts Smuggled PMS, Other Illicit Items Worth N1.78 Billion

.Hands Over 304kg Cannabis Sativa to NDLEA

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other contraband worth One billion, Seven Hundred and eighty four million, four hundred and thirty two thousand Naira only N1,784,432,000, designated for importation and illegal export to Niger Republic.

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR made the announcement through the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) HK Ejibunu at a press briefing held at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos on Friday, 18 July 2025.

He said the significant seizures were intercepted across the Southwest States by the tactical team of Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A and Operation Whirlwind of the Service.

The CGC told journalists that in the last six weeks, from 3 June to 18 July 2025, operatives of FOU and Operation Wildwind made significant strides in countering the smuggling of petroleum products and illicit items designated for importation and illegal export to the Niger Republic.

To him, “Operatives acting on credible intelligence and in line with renewed mandate successfully intercepted a total of 1,134 jerry cans of 25 litres and 33 drops of petroleum auto-spirits, yielding a volume of 35,535 litres at various notorious smuggling flashpoints within Agility, Ilaro, Ere Adodo, and Obada imeko.

“These petroleum products carefully concealed and being prepared for illegal export to the neighbouring Niger Republic were intercepted with six vehicles being used as means of conveyance.

“A total duty paid value of the intercepted petroleum products and conveying vehicles is to the tune of 58,360,000 Naira only. These arrests and seizures underscore the strategic efficiency and operational dexterity of our anti-smuggling units”.

On the operational capacity of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, the Customs Boss said a total sum of 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice, (50kg each) equivalent to six trailer loads were seized.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller MS Shuaibu of FOU A, showcasing the foreign parboiled rice to the representative of the CGC, ACG Ejibunu, other sister agency and journalists at the press briefing on Friday.

He stated that the Unit has sustained a high operational tempo across the Southwestern states.

Some of the seized foreign parboiled rice.

“Its intelligence-led operations has led to proactive interception of smuggled goods, disrupt illicit supply chains, and strengthen border enforcement.

“During this period, a total of 102 enforcement interventions were recorded, leading to the interception of a wide range of prohibited and smuggled goods,” the CGC said.

148 pieces of used tyres

Other items includes: 1X40FT container with container number TRHU 83907321 fully loaded with used tyres, 1X20FT with container number ONEU241369 containing medicaments. Others are 2X40FT with container numbers MSKU 4796036, MAEU 9205708, and one truck with container body conveying used fridges, foreign supermarket items and used clothes.

One of the trucks containing ladies and men wears, new shoes and slippers which were wrongly declared by the importers.

The WCO Council Chair informed that all the containers were wrongly declared to invade duties, adding nine (9) suspects have been arrested in connection with these seizures. “While some were granted administrative bail, others have been, or will be, handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution”.

Customs Area Controller of Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone A, Comptroller MS Shuaibu updating the guests on the Unit’s activities and achievements over the past few weeks.

Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu reiterated that the Unit remain deeply committed to executing its mandate with the utmost professionalism and in strict adherence to extant regulations.

“Operations are conducted with restraint, respect for human rights, and a commitment to peaceful enforcement. To enhance synergy and support for our activities, I have embarked on familiarization visits to traditional institutions and sister security agencies across the zone.

“These visits aim to deepen collaboration in our collective effort to combat trans-border crimes and enhance national security.

“Our achievements mentioned by the CGC would not be possible without the dedication and courage of our gallant officers, who risk their lives daily to secure our borders and protect the national economy.

“Their sacrifices are commendable and deserve public recognition. Also i will like to notify you that we had revenue recovery through Demand Notices.

“In addition to our enforcement duties, the Unit also ensured compliance with import and export regulations. We have continued to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where appropriate. Between 3rd of June and 18 July 2025, the Unit recovered a total of ₦95,587,231.47 (Ninety-Five Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty-One Naira, Forty-Seven Kobo) in underpaid duties.

“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remain a strong partner in trade facilitation. We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process,” he updated.

Comptroller Shuaibu handed over 304kg Cannabis Sativa to representative of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Deputy Commander Nasiru Garuba Bungudu

Receiving the Cannabis Sativa, the Strategic Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State, Ibrahim Imam Wali, who was represented by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Nasiru Garuba Bungudu, acknowledged the existing synergy between NDLEA and NCS and commended the relentless efforts of the gallant officers of the Nigeria Customs Service for achieving the feat.

He assured that the Agency will unmask the masterminds behind the seizures and prosecute offenders.