FOU A Seizes 76 Smuggled and Contraband Goods Worth N3.1 Billion Through Intensified Intelligence Efforts

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Comptroller Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu has again demonstrated his anti-smuggling skills, through intensified intelligence driven operations, intercepting seventy-six (76) smuggled and contraband goods having a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N₦3,144,680,000.00 (Three Billion, One hundred and Forty-Four Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira).

The display of intercepted used clothes

Addressing journalists at the Unit’s Headquarters in Lagos on Thursday, 14 August 2025, the anti- Smuggling Czar, noted that FOU ‘A’ has intensified surveillance and enforcement activities across the six states of the South-West geopolitical zone.

This has resulted into interceptions of the following goods: 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) equivalent to seven trailer loads; 22 used (tokunbo) vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks; 485 jerrycans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 12,125 litres; 120 bales of used clothing; 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa; 47 cartons of foreign poultry products; 770 jerrycans of 25 litres each of foreign vegetable oil within three weeks.

Seized container laden with cartons of Bita Drinks

He said eight (8) containers were seized for wrong declarations or attempts to evade duties.

They include: 4x40ft containers; MSKU-1629585 – Sacks of used shoes and canvas; MSKU-0733723 – Auto spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles; TCNU-9441240 – Furniture; ACLU-9673721 – Spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles; 4x20ft containers: TEMU-4596866 – Furniture; TCLU-3866419 – Furniture; TCKU-3962096 – Furniture; TCKU-1497232 – pali bitters drinks.

Comptroller Shuaibu showcasing seizures made in the last three weeks.

Comptroller Shuaibu asserted that the seizures occurred at strategic points across the South-Western states, including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State and the Lagos metropolis.

According to him, a total of 13 suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures. “While some have been granted administrative bail, others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said, “The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at ₦3,144,680,000.00 (Three Billion, One hundred and Forty-Four Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira) only.

“These seizures underscored the operational capabilities and strategic effectiveness of our operatives. They also reinforce our unwavering resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and confront economic saboteurs whose actions threaten national security and undermine the fiscal policies of the federal government”.

Comptroller Shuaibu Showcasing seized furniture

Speaking further, Comptroller Shuaibu informed that as part of the pivotal role in ensuring compliance with import and export regulations, the Unit has continued to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where necessary, thus recovered a total of ₦47,834,397.29 (Forty-Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Four Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-Seven Naira, Twenty-Nine Kobo) between 18th July and 12th August 2025.

Some of the seized vehicles

“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains 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.

Seized Cannabis Sativa Displayed

“I commend the tireless efforts of our operatives and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to securing our nation’s borders against all forms of economic sabotage. We will not relent in our mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment and protect our economy from illicit trade practices,” he stated.

In line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized Cannabis Sativa was handed over to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

CAC FOU ‘A’, Comptroller MS Shuaibu and Representative of NDLEA, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Commander Nasiru Garuba Bungudu

Receiving the exhibit on behalf of the Strategic Commander of Lagos State, Deputy Commander of Narcotics in charge of Asset and valuation, NDLEA, Commander Nasiru Garuba Bungudu, acknowledged the existing inter-agency collaboration between the two parties and appreciated the intensified intelligence driven anti-smuggling operations. He also commended the Customs Area Controller for bringing his unbeatable expertise to bear in anti-smuggling activities.