The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A (FOU A) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband goods worth over ₦3.14 billion and arrested 13 suspects in a series of anti-smuggling operations across the South-West.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, the Comptroller of FOU Zone A said the seizures were made over the past three weeks through intensified surveillance and intelligence-led enforcement in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos states.
The seized items include 4,068 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to seven trailer loads), 22 used vehicles — among them two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks — 12,125 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 120 bales of used clothing, 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 47 cartons of frozen poultry products, and 770 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil.
The unit also intercepted eight containers loaded with misdeclared goods or items aimed at evading duty payment. The consignments, seized at different locations, contained used shoes, auto spare parts, used tyres, vehicles, furniture, and alcoholic beverages.
“These seizures were recorded at strategic points including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, Imeko-Afon, the Ondo/Ekiti axis, Shaki, Iseyin, and the Lagos metropolis,” the Comptroller stated.
Of the 13 suspects apprehended, some have been released on administrative bail while others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution. The confiscated Cannabis Sativa will be transferred to the appropriate authorities.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at ₦3,144,680,000.00, while additional revenue of ₦47,834,397.29 was recovered between July 18 and August 12 through Demand Notices issued on under-declared imports.
The Comptroller reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to dismantling smuggling networks, enforcing compliance with trade regulations, and safeguarding the national economy. “We will continue to strike a balance between trade facilitation and national security, ensuring that legitimate traders are not unduly hindered,” he said.
He commended the dedication of operatives and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities that could undermine Nigeria’s economic stability.