Customs Seizes Smuggled Fuel, Rice, Tyres Worth N1.78 Billion
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted various smuggled items, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), foreign rice, used tyres, and other contraband goods valued at N1.78 billion.
The seizures, made across the South-West region, were part of intensified anti-smuggling efforts by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A and Operation Whirlwind.
At a press briefing held at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, represented by Assistant Comptroller-General and National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Kehinde Ejibunu, disclosed that the seizures were made over a six-week period.
These operations targeted both illegal imports and unlawful exports, particularly to neighboring Niger Republic.
According to Ejibunu, operatives intercepted 1,134 jerry cans (25 litres each) and 33 drums of PMS—amounting to 35,535 litres—at known smuggling hotspots in Ilaro, Ere Adodo, and Obada Neko.
These fuel consignments, intended for illegal export, were concealed and transported using six vehicles. The total duty-paid value of the seized fuel and vehicles was estimated at N58.36 million.
Additionally, the FOU Zone A team confiscated 3,500 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice equivalent to six trailer-loads alongside various other contraband items. These included: 304 kg of Cannabis Sativa – 7,900 litres of PMS in 316jerry cans – 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing – 41 sacks of used footwear – 14 used vehicles- 148 used tyres- 42 used gas cylinders – 31 air conditioning units -95 cartons of frozen poultry
The Customs also seized several containers wrongly declared to evade duty payments. These included:
A 40-foot container (TRHU 83907321) filled with used tyres
A 20-foot container (ONEU241369) containing unapproved medicaments
Two 40-foot containers (MSKU 4796036 and MAEU 9205708) and a containerized truck loaded with used fridges, foreign supermarket goods, and second-hand clothing.
Nine suspects have been arrested in connection with these seizures. While some have been granted administrative bail, others are undergoing further investigation and may face prosecution. Internal disciplinary actions are also being taken against any Customs officers found to have aided the clearance of these shipments.
FOU Zone A Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to professionalism, compliance enforcement, and national security. He emphasized ongoing collaboration with traditional institutions and security agencies to strengthen border control efforts.
Shuaibu also reported that between June 3 and July 18, 2025, the Unit recovered N95.6 million in underpaid duties through Demand Notices issued after uncovering undervaluations and false declarations.
“These operations demonstrate the bravery and dedication of our officers, who work tirelessly to protect Nigeria’s economy and uphold the law,” he said.
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