Nigeria Customs FOU Zone A seizes over N1.18bn smuggled goods in six weeks

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has intensified its anti-smuggling campaigns, successfully intercepting over ₦1.18 billion worth of illicit items including Codeine, Tramadol, and other prohibited goods within a six-week period.

Speaking Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, head of FOU Zone A, stated, “The unit has intensified its anti-smuggling operations through intelligence-driven strategies, which were aimed at curbing illicit goods trafficking, safeguarding revenue, and protecting consumers from hazardous and counterfeit products.”

Between September and early October, the unit recorded 125 interceptions across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos States.

Seized items included 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (approx. 431.8kg), 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres), 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 15 used vehicles, 143 bales of used clothing, 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes, 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, 19 cards of Tramadol, and numerous other smuggled goods.

A 20-foot container falsely declaring 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate was also intercepted.
Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the unit’s resolve, saying, “These seizures reaffirm the operational capability of the unit and underscore our resolve to continuously confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine federal government policies.”

He also reminded that the ban on importing foreign parboiled rice through land borders, established by the 2016 federal fiscal policy, remains in force.

“Some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction would face the consequences. Our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission,” Shuaibu warned.

In addition to seizures, Demand Notices and enforcement against under-valuations recovered ₦39,269,688.71 from suspects during the period.

Demonstrating strong inter-agency cooperation, seized drugs and suspects were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Deputy Commander of Narcotics at NDLEA, Nasir Garba, praised the Customs for their vigilance and proactive role in combating drug smuggling and protecting national security.