The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, in the last six weeks intercepted contrabands worth over N1.18 billion and arrested four suspects.
Briefing Journalists on Tuesday in Lagos, the Comptroller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, explained that the Unit intercepted 125 prohibited goods in Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, and Lagos states.
The seizures include 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to eight trailer loads; 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles; 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 431.8kg and 460 jerrycans (25 litres each) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Others are 143 bales of used clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, and one sack of used clothing; 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol; 210 pieces of used tyres; and one 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, intercepted for false declaration.
The CAC explained that the operations were intelligence-driven and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, protecting the economy, and ensuring consumer safety from hazardous and counterfeit goods.
Shuaibu emphasised the unit’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration.
The confiscated pharmaceuticals and cannabis were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), respectively.
He also disclosed that from 1st September to 7th October 2025, the unit recovered ₦39,269,688.71 through the issuance of demand notices and enforcement against under-valuations.
While maintaining strong enforcement, Shuaibu assured that the unit also remained committed to “facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that lawful businesses operate without unnecessary hindrance.”
He reiterated that “the Federal Operations Unit Zone A remains unwavering in its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy,” adding that through sustained intelligence-led operations and the strategic deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, the unit would continue to secure Nigeria’s borders, protect national revenue, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
