The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a range of contraband items, including bulletproof vests, cannabis sativa, used vehicles, and petrol, with a total duty paid value of N1.28 billion across Lagos, Ogun, and other South-Western states.
Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed the seizures to journalists on Tuesday in Lagos, stating that the operations were carried out between May 19 and May 26, 2025.
Shuaibu revealed that the unit acted on intelligence to intercept two 40-foot containers with registration numbers MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090 along Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2 in Lagos on May 23 and 24. Examination of the containers uncovered seven Mitsubishi Canters, five Toyota Hiace buses, and three mini shuttle buses, all disassembled in an apparent bid to evade Customs duties.
Other seized items from the containers included 312 bales of printed wax, 23 bales of used clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, 30 used flat-screen televisions, 65 tabletop cookers, 31 units of used split air conditioners and several used bicycles
“These items contravene Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff, which prohibits their importation,” Shuaibu stated.
On May 19, officers intercepted a Volvo truck loaded with 1,263 used tyres. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.
Later that night, along the Shagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway, another truck with registration number T24623LA was intercepted. It was found to be carrying bulletproof vests and packages of Tramadol, a controlled pharmaceutical substance.
In a separate incident on May 26, officers arrested a Mercedes Benz truck in Ijebu-Ode. Though initially appearing empty, a detailed search uncovered 1,665 kilograms of cannabis sativa concealed within hidden compartments. One suspect was also arrested.
Shuaibu said intensified patrols across border areas in the six states of the South-West—covering flashpoints such as Imeko, Ilaro, Owode, Idiroko, Ilara, Ihumbo, Abeokuta, Badagry, Agbara, Gbaji, Saki, and Iseyin—led to more seizures. These included:
· 2,051 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (about four truckloads)
· 11 used (Tokunbo) vehicles
· 4,000 litres of petrol (PMS)
· A J5 commercial bus filled with expired goods
· A Volvo truck carrying 180 sacks of new towels
Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the total of 46 interceptions made during the two-week enforcement sweep.
Shuaibu noted that since his assumption of office on April 23, 2025, the unit has maintained aggressive anti-smuggling operations, with previous seizures including over seven trucks of rice, PMS, narcotics, and vehicles.
He emphasized the agency’s dual mandate of securing Nigeria’s borders and facilitating legitimate trade, stating, “Smugglers are becoming more desperate, but we are prepared to respond with greater vigilance and strategy. Our officers will not relent.”
He added that the 1,665kg of cannabis sativa would be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
In addition to the seizures, the unit also recovered N48.34 million in lost revenue through the issuance of demand notices (DN) for improperly declared consignments within the same two-week period.
Highlighting the unit’s renewed strategy, Shuaibu emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to its dual role of border security and trade facilitation. He expressed confidence that despite the increasingly desperate tactics of smugglers and economic saboteurs, the Service would remain a step ahead through proactive enforcement and collaborative intelligence.
Reflecting on internal reforms, he noted that since assuming office on April 23, efforts had been made to restore key morale-boosting activities such as monthly parades and weekly sporting events for officers, which had previously been neglected.
“I commend our gallant officers for their dedication and resilience, and I appreciate our media partners and stakeholders for their continued support in promoting national security,” he said.
Comptroller Shuaibu reaffirmed the unit’s resolve to intensify its fight against smuggling and illicit trade, pledging that the Service would continue to implement sustainable strategies aimed at growing the economy, safeguarding public health, and encouraging legitimate trade.
