Customs Seizes Smuggled Goods Worth ₦1.2b

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported the interception of smuggled goods valued at ₦1.28 billion across South-West Nigeria.

The operation led to the seizure of 11 used vehicles (popularly known as Tokunbo), 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa, 4,000 litres of petrol, bulletproof vests, expired goods, and foreign parboiled rice, among other items.

Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who recently assumed leadership of the unit on April 23, 2025, confirmed to the Leadership that the seizures were a result of intelligence-led operations and increased border surveillance in key smuggling hotspots, including Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States.

On May 23 and 24, patrol teams acting on intelligence seized two 40-foot containers in Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2, Lagos. These containers, with numbers MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090, were found to contain dismantled vehicles — seven Mitsubishi Canters, five Toyota Hiace buses, and three mini shuttle buses — indicating an attempt to avoid import duties.

Similarly, on May 19, operatives intercepted a Volvo truck carrying 1,263 used tyres, with one suspect apprehended. That same night, along the Shagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway, another truck was stopped. It was loaded with bulletproof vests and packs of Tramadol, both undeclared and smuggled.

Further efforts on May 26 at Ijebu-Ode led to the arrest of a suspect and the discovery of Cannabis Sativa concealed in the compartments of a seemingly empty Mercedes Benz truck. Shuaibu noted that the Indian hemp would be handed over to the appropriate agencies for prosecution.

The Unit also intercepted 2,051 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equal to four truckloads. Other seizures included a J5 bus carrying expired products and a Volvo truck loaded with 180 sacks of new towels.

In total, 46 interceptions were made within two weeks, and seven suspects were arrested. Additionally, through rigorous enforcement and the issuance of demand notices, the unit recovered ₦48.34 million in lost revenue due to false declarations.

Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that the operations reflect the Service’s renewed commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting public health, and boosting government revenue. He acknowledged the increasing desperation of smugglers but reaffirmed the unit’s readiness to combat illegal trade with stronger intelligence, technology, and dedication.

He concluded that the NCS will continue to implement strategies that encourage legitimate trade, disrupt smuggling networks, and contribute to national economic growth.