In a renewed crackdown on smugglers, the Federal Operations Unit Zone A (FOU A) of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced the interception of contraband goods worth over ₦1.18 billion within just six weeks of intensive, intelligence-driven operations across the southwestern states.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, disclosed that the seizures were made between September 1 and October 7, 2025, as part of the unit’s sustained efforts to curb illicit trade, protect revenue, and safeguard public health.
According to Shuaibu, a total of 125 successful interceptions were recorded during the period. The seized items include 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to eight trailer loads), 15 used vehicles, 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 431.8kg, and 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) of 25 litres each. Other confiscated items are 143 bales of used clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, 390 bottles of codeine, 310 packs of foreign drugs, 19 cards of tramadol, 210 used tyres, and a 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) laden with 752 cartons of calcium lactate falsely declared at the port.
He revealed that four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, adding that they would be handed over to appropriate agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
“These seizures reaffirm our operational capacity and underscore our resolve to continuously confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine federal government policies,” Shuaibu said.
The Customs boss further noted that the seized pharmaceuticals and narcotics would be transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for necessary action.
Reiterating the federal government’s stance on border restrictions, Shuaibu warned that the ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders, introduced in 2016, remains in full force. “Let me warn some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction that our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated missions,” he cautioned.
Beyond seizures, the FOU A also recovered ₦39.27 million in revenue through demand notices issued to importers who under-declared their cargoes.
Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that while the unit maintains its aggressive stance against smugglers, it remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that compliant businesses operate without undue obstruction.
He assured that the FOU Zone A will continue to deploy advanced surveillance technologies and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to sustain its anti-smuggling drive across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo States.
“The Federal Operations Unit Zone A remains unwavering in its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy,” Shuaibu said, reaffirming that the unit would not relent until economic saboteurs are completely subdued.
