Customs Seizes N1.72bn Contraband in One-month Crackdown
Samuel Mobolaji
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted smuggled goods worth ₦1.72 billion in a month-long operation across the South-West.
Comptroller Kola Oladeji, the Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone A, made this known on Wednesday during a media briefing in Lagos. He stated that the seizures included 3,832 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice—equivalent to seven truckloads—and 27 units of used (Tokunbo) vehicles.
Other confiscated items were 494 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), amounting to 14,820 litres, 27 bales of used clothing, 95 bags of charcoal, and 3,643kg of Cannabis Sativa. Six suspects were arrested in connection with the smuggling activities.
Oladeji reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to enforcing the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and ensuring compliance with import and export regulations. He said officers had intensified border surveillance across South-Western states to clamp down on economic saboteurs.
“The operatives of FOU A have strengthened intelligence-driven patrols across key smuggling routes. Our Swift Sting Operations have resulted in 82 interceptions within the period under review,” he stated.
He commended the relentless efforts of customs officers in securing these seizures, noting that their vigilance and long hours of surveillance played a crucial role in disrupting illicit trade.
In addition to the seizures, Oladeji disclosed that the unit generated ₦72.4 million from debit notes issued to importers who underpaid customs duties at seaports. He highlighted trade facilitation measures introduced by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi to enhance revenue generation and economic growth.
“These initiatives, including the Time Release Study (TRS), Advance Ruling, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme, have bolstered investor confidence and improved customs efficiency,” he said.
Oladeji assured that FOU Zone A would sustain its enforcement drive, intensify public engagement on the dangers of smuggling, and uphold government policies to promote legal trade and economic stability.
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