By Amina Ojelabi
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its determination to protect Nigeria’s economy through sustained anti-smuggling operations that yielded seizures worth over ₦1.18 billion within six weeks.
Speaking during a press briefing at the unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, the Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed that the feat was achieved through intensified, intelligence-driven enforcement across the South-West zone.
“We remain firm and focused on safeguarding our nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit activities,” Shuaibu declared.
According to him, the unit’s renewed surveillance and intelligence-sharing strategies led to 125 successful interceptions between September and early October 2025. The seizures included:
5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to eight trailer loads) : 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles : 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing 431.8kg : 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) — about 11,500 litres : 143 bales of used clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, and one sack of assorted wear : 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 packs of foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol
:210 used tyres : A 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) loaded with 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, seized for false declaration.
Shuaibu revealed that the operations spanned Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos States, leading to the arrest of four suspects, who are currently being investigated and will be handed over to relevant agencies for prosecution.
He noted that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures stood at ₦1,188,830,600.00, reflecting the scale and success of the command’s enforcement drive.
In a show of inter-agency synergy, the Comptroller disclosed that the intercepted narcotics and pharmaceutical products would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action.
He reiterated that the 2016 Federal Government fiscal policy banning the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders remains in full effect, warning smugglers to desist from violating national trade regulations.
“Some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction will face the consequences. Our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated missions,” he warned.
Beyond seizures, the unit also recovered ₦39,269,688.71 in revenue through the issuance of demand notices and enforcement of under-valued imports between September 1 and October 7, 2025.
Shuaibu emphasized that while enforcement remains a top priority, the unit is equally committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that compliant businesses operate without unnecessary bottlenecks.
“These achievements underscore our operational capability and unyielding resolve to confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine government policies,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the unit’s unwavering commitment to border security, national revenue protection, and economic growth, pledging to sustain the tempo through advanced surveillance systems and intelligence-led operations.
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