Customs Intercepts N1.5bn Worth of Contraband in Two Weeks

Samuel Mobolaji

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted contraband worth N1.5 billion within two weeks of operations, according to Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu.

Speaking at a media briefing in Ikeja, Shuaibu said the seizures followed the unit’s renewed anti-smuggling efforts, which began shortly after he assumed office on April 23. In addition to the seizures, the unit recovered N48.34 million through demand notices for improperly declared consignments.

He stated that the unit remains committed to plugging revenue leakages, enhancing legitimate trade, and boosting government income. Shuaibu added that the resilience of operatives had inflicted substantial losses on smugglers, with increased patrol activities recorded across border areas in the Southwest.

Goods seized during the operations included rice, cannabis, used vehicles, and other contraband in locations such as Imeko, Ilaro, Idiroko, Ilara, Ihumbo, Abeokuta, and Badagry. Two 40-foot containers intercepted at Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2 contained dismantled vehicles, including seven Mitsubishi Canters, Toyota Hiace buses, and three mini shuttles.

Other intercepted items included used bicycles, 312 bales of printed wax, 23 bales of clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, 30 flat-screen televisions, 65 tabletop cookers, and 31 used split air conditioners. A Volvo truck carrying 1,263 used tyres was intercepted on May 19, leading to the arrest of a suspect. Another truck intercepted along the Shagamu–Ijebu Ode expressway was found with uncustomed goods, including bulletproof vests.

On May 26, a Mercedes-Benz truck was stopped in Ijebu-Ode. Though initially appearing empty, officers discovered Cannabis Sativa concealed in its compartments. In total, 46 interceptions were made during the period, including 2,051 bags of foreign rice (equivalent to three trailer loads), 11 used vehicles, 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa, 4,000 litres of PMS, and a J5 bus carrying expired goods. A Volvo truck loaded with 180 sacks of new towels was also seized.

Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, which had a duty-paid value of N1.28 billion. The overall duty-paid value, including all intercepted items, stood at N1.5 billion.

The Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics, NDLEA, Mr Abdul Mayaki, received the cannabis from the Customs unit and said the agency would intensify efforts to secure border communities from illicit drug trade. He also noted a recent MoU with India aimed at halting codeine production for Nigerian-bound shipments.