Customs FOU ‘A’ Intensifies Crackdown, Intercepts Over 800 Cannabis Packages in 16 Days

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has intercepted over 800 Cannabis and other prohibited items in its latest anti-smuggling operations across the South-West border corridor within 16 days.

Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu Iyere, made this known on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Unit headquarters in Lagos.

According to him, the seizures were recorded between 5 and 21 May 2026, as the Unit’s operatives intensified enforcement operations against smugglers and criminal networks operating within the zone.

The Comptroller stated that the operation also led to interceptions involving synthetic cannabis strains popularly known as “skunk” as well as small quantities of crystal meth.

He further disclosed that the Unit had foiled no fewer than 674 smuggling attempts since he assumed office as Comptroller of FOU Zone A, stressing that officers were still actively conducting operations across strategic flashpoints.

“As we speak, operatives are on the field carrying out operations. These are critical times and we are determined to contribute our quota towards keeping society safe,” he said.

Gambo explained that the Unit was strengthening its anti-smuggling operations through the deployment of predictive enforcement strategies driven by geospatial intelligence technology.

He noted that the initiative marks a shift from the traditional reactive enforcement model to a more intelligence-led system capable of identifying and monitoring smuggling routes before illegal activities occur.

“We are at the point of transiting from reactive enforcement to predictive enforcement. We are leaning towards GeoINT because it gives us more predictability and allows us to geomap routes for a more targeted approach at our interdictions,” he stated.

The Comptroller noted that the Unit had previously relied heavily on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT), but said the adoption of Geo-Intelligence (GeoINT) would significantly improve operational efficiency and intelligence gathering.

He linked the increasing circulation of illicit drugs to rising insecurity, banditry and criminality across the country, stressing that Customs enforcement operations remain critical to national security.

Gambo also revealed that the Unit had intensified enforcement against environmentally hazardous imports, including ozone-depleting substances and prohibited refrigerator and air-conditioner compressors brought into the country in contravention of international environmental regulations.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Unit to protecting legitimate trade, enforcing government fiscal policies and preventing the entry of prohibited goods into Nigeria.

Speaking on the visit by MARAN executives, the Comptroller described the association as a critical stakeholder in the maritime sector and commended members for their professional reportage of Customs activities.

President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, said the visit aimed at strengthening collaboration between the association and the Federal Operations Unit in the collective fight against smuggling and economic sabotage.

The visit featured the presentation of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ register and group photographs between members of the association and management of FOU Zone A.