The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has seized smuggled goods worth N3.145 billion in three weeks and arrested 13 suspects linked to the illicit trade.
Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who heads the Unit, told journalists on Thursday that the seizures included seven truckloads of foreign rice, used cars, petrol, cannabis sativa, second-hand clothes and other contraband intercepted across the South-West.
According to him, the interceptions were a result of intensified surveillance and intelligence-led operations carried out between July 18 and August 12, 2025.
“These efforts led to a total of 76 interceptions of smuggled and contraband goods… Some of the suspects have been granted administrative bail, while others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution,” Shuaibu said.
He listed the items recovered to include 4,068 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 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 imported vegetable oil.
Shuaibu further disclosed that eight containers with misdeclared goods were seized, adding that the Unit also recovered N47.834 million from undervalued imports that had already exited the seaports.
“These seizures underscore 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,” he stated.
The Comptroller stressed that the Unit remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, protecting the economy and ensuring compliance with trade regulations.
