By Amina Ojelabi
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded major enforcement breakthroughs, intercepting 473 smuggling attempts and seizing contraband worth over ₦5.5 billion within eight weeks across South-West Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu said the unit intensified operations against economic saboteurs through intelligence-driven strategies, advanced surveillance, and inter-agency collaboration.
He disclosed that the seizures included 8,794 bags of foreign rice, 22 used vehicles, 1,863 refrigerator compressors, 328 bales of used clothing, 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 485 used tyres, and hundreds of cartons of foreign spaghetti, sugar, and poultry products.
In a significant anti-narcotics breakthrough under a special operation codenamed “Operation Hawk,” the unit confiscated 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” weighing 1,540kg.
Aliyu also revealed that officers at the Gbaji outpost intercepted a Toyota Highlander along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, leading to the arrest of a 71-year-old suspect. A search of the vehicle uncovered 6.4kg of hard drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
According to him, all narcotics seizures would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
In a related development, Customs operatives seized four cylinders of high-grade mercury concealed in a Toyota Avensis. The substance, which poses serious environmental risks and is regulated under international conventions, is commonly used in illegal gold mining. The suspect has been granted administrative bail, while the case will be transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
On revenue performance, the Comptroller stated that the unit recorded a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦5.5 billion from seizures, alongside an additional ₦97.7 million recovered through demand notices issued for underpaid duties.
Aliyu emphasized that the unit is embracing modern technology, including geospatial intelligence, drone surveillance, satellite imagery, and predictive analytics, to track smuggling routes and enhance operational efficiency across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states.
He added that the ongoing transition to a newly commissioned ultra-modern headquarters in Iperu, Ogun State, would further strengthen intelligence coordination, real-time monitoring, and inter-agency collaboration.
While reaffirming the unit’s commitment to combating illicit trade, the Comptroller noted that Customs remains supportive of legitimate businesses by ensuring trade facilitation without unnecessary disruptions.
He commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and pledged sustained efforts to protect Nigeria’s economy and secure its borders.
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