Customs FOU ‘A’ Makes Fresh Seizures of Illicit Items Worth N1.28 Billion, Two Weeks After N1.5 Billion Haul

.Hands Over to NDLEA

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, has made fresh seizures worth N1.28 billion, approximately two weeks after announcing massive seizures of prohibited items worth N1.5 billion on 16th of May 2025.

This latest seizures underscored the Unit’s continued efforts to combat smuggling and protect the nation’s economy.

While showcasing the seized items to journalists at the Customs Warehouse in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, the Unit’s Controller revealed that the prohibited items were seized between 19 and 26 of May 2025. He attributed the successful operations to the Unit’s renewed vigor in fighting smuggling and criminal activities through intelligence-driven operations.

Comptroller Shuaibu also commended his Officers for their dedication and integrity, which led to the achievements.

According to him, “On the 23rd and 24th of May 2025, at about 0300hrs and 0230hrs, the patrol teams within Lagos metropolis acted on intelligence, intercepted and seized 2X40FT containers with containers numbers (MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090) respectively along Ijora-Olopa, and Mile 2 axis.

“The examination reports of these containers revealed the following contents: Seven (7) Mitsubishi Canters, Five(5) Toyota Hiace Buses, and Three (3) Mini Shuttle Buses all cut up with their parts complete with clear intention of evade Customs duties. Other items include used bicycles, 312, Bales of printed wax, 23 Bales of used clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, and 30 used flat screens televisions, 65 table top cookers, and 31 unit of used split air conditioning and among others. The importation of these items contravenes schedule 4 of the common external tariff.

“Similarly, on the 19th of May 2025 at about 0300hrs hours another patrol team intercepted a Volvo truck and investigation revealed to contains 1263 pieces of used tyres and other goods. One suspect was also arrested.

“In the same vein, on the 19th of May 2025 at about 2300hrs, our officers on a routine patrol along Shagamu/Ijebu-Ode express way in Ogun State, intercepted one truck with registration number T24623LA suspected to be conveying uncustoms goods including Bullet Proof vests.

Again, an investigation report revealed the content to include some packages of Tramadol. “Furthermore, on the 26th of May 2025, at about 0600hrs, through intelligence-driven operations, our men on the Ijebu-Ode patrol team arrested one empty Mercedes Benz truck. Thorough rummaging of the truck and careful observation by our officers which led to uncover concealment of Cannabis Sativa (India Hemp) in the compartments of the truck. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.

“Additionally, our patrol teams around the borders areas across the six (6) states of the Southwest have intensified surveillance of our borders against unscrupulous elements among Nigerians, resulting in several seizures of rice, Cannabis Sativa, used cars and other goods in a flash points of Imeko, Ilaro, Owode, Idiroko , Ilara, Ihumbo,Abeokuta, Badagry, Agbara, Gbaji, shaki and Iseyin in Oyo state.

“In all, Forty- Six (46) interceptions were recorded during this two (2) weeks of operations comprising the following:”Rice 2051X50kg each foreign parboiled rice equivalent to three (4) trailer loads. Eleven (11) used vehicles, popularly known as tokumbo vehicles. . 1665kg of Cannabis Sativa. . 4000 litres of premium motor spirit. (PMS). One white and Black J5 commercial Bus loaded with expired goods.. One Volvo Truck containing 180 sacks of new towel.

“Seven (7) suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures, which have a duty paid value (DPV) of one billion, two hundred and eighty-five million, six hundred thousand, three hundred and eighty-three naira (N1,285,600,383.00) only.

“These seizures come on the heels of successes recorded in our anti-smuggling activities just three (3) weeks after I resume the leadership of the unit on the 23rd of April 2025, which saw seizures of over 7 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice, premium motor spirit, vehicles, drugs and narcotics among others with a duty paid value of over 1.5 billion naira”.

On revenue recovery and border surveillance, the anti-smuggling Czar told journalists that the Unit also recovered N48.04 million through demand notices issued for improperly declared consignments, underscoring the Unit’s commitment to blocking revenue leakages.

While receiving the narcotic seizures, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State, Abdul Maiyaki, expressed satisfaction with the high-level inter-agency collaboration between NDLEA and Customs.

He assured that the NDLEA would intensify enforcement and collaborative efforts to curb the influx of drugs into the country.

Speaking further, Comptroller Shuaibu expressed gratitude to Stakeholders and partners, especially the media, for their support and modest reportage.

He also invited the media to join the Unit’s monthly parades and weekly sporting activities, which have been resuscitated to boost Officers’ morale.

To him, the Nigeria Customs Service under the exemplary leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, will continue to remain vigilant and ensure a more formidable defense against smuggling activities.