The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Lagos in collaboration with Operation Whirlwind on Friday disclosed that it has intercepted contrabands valued at N1.7billion.
Briefing Journalists, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, explained that in the past five weeks – between June 3 and July 18, 2025 – a total of 102 enforcement interventions were recorded, leading to the interception of a wide range of prohibited and smuggled goods.
He said nine suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, and that while some of them were granted administrative bail, others have been, or will be, handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Represented by the National Co-ordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, the CGC noted that petroleum products worth N58.3 million was intercepted by the Operation Whirlwind within two to three weeks, adding that the Service’s relentless efforts to dismantle smuggling syndicates, curb illicit trade, and disrupt criminal networks operating “within our area of responsibility.”
Commending the FOU, Zone ‘A’ Unit, the Customs boss hinted that during the period under review, the Unit recovered a total of Ninety-five Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty-one Naira, Forty-seven Kobo (₦95,587,231.47) in underpaid duties, adding that, “We have continued to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where appropriate.”
The Unit’s seizures, according to the CGC, comprised 3,500 (50kg each) bags of foreign parboiled rice – equivalent to six trailer loads;
304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp);
7,900 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – in 316 jerry cans of 25 liters each.
Others were 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing; 41 sacks and bags of used footwear;
14 units of used (“Tokunbo”) vehicles; 148 pieces of used tyres; 42 used gas cylinders; 31 units of air conditioning systems; 95 cartons of frozen poultry products.
Adeniyi also described as notable seizures, a 1X40ft container, marked TRHU 83907321, fully loaded with used tyres; 1X20ft container number ONEU241369, containing medicaments; 2X40ft containers, marked MSKU 4796036, MAEU 9205708, and one truck with container body conveying used fridges, foreign supermarket items and used clothes.
“All the containers were wrongly declared to invade duties,” he stated.
He commended the Controller of FOU, Zone A, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu for the commitment, dedication and sacrifice of the officers of the Unit, whom, he said, risk their lives daily to secure the borders and protect the national economy, stressing that, in addition to the Unit’s enforcement duties, it also ensures compliance with import and export regulations, and facilitates genuine and legitimate trade.
“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth, ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.
“The milestones we’ve recorded are a testament to the Nigerian Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring national security.” the CGC stated.
According to him,
the Federal Operations Unit remains deeply committed to executing its mandate with the utmost professionalism and in strict adherence to extant regulations. “Our operations are conducted with restraint, respect for human rights, and a commitment to peaceful enforcement.”
The Controller of Zone A Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu said the milestones recorded are a testament to the Nigerian Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring national security
