By Oluyinka Onigbinde & Joshua Yousouph
In major crackdowns across different commands between January and March, 2026, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service impounded many exotic vehicles and huge sums of foreign currencies that were being smuggled into the country.
Figures obtained from the Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation Department (Seizure and Statistics Unit) exclusively by our correspondent revealed that the Service intercepted 41 high-value motor vehicles with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦922,890,145.00 in the first quarter of 2026, in a major enforcement operation targeting smuggling networks and revenue leakages across the country.
Details also showed that the seizures were recorded between January and March across multiple Customs formations under coordinated intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing the influx of ‘uncustomed’ vehicles through land and port corridors.
Specifically, in January, enforcement operatives recorded 15 seizures across various units, with intercepted vehicles carrying a combined Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value of ₦280,866,303.00 and duty exposure of ₦80,867,049.00, bringing the total Duty Paid Value for the month to ₦361,733,352.00.
February turned out to be the most active month of the quarter, with 21 vehicles seized across 21 operational units. The intercepted vehicles had a CIF value of ₦326,438,799.00 and duty assessment of ₦61,914,994.00, resulting in a Duty Paid Value of ₦388,353,793.00, as smuggling attempts reportedly intensified in response to heightened surveillance and enforcement pressure.
In March, Customs recorded 5 vehicle seizures spread across 7 operational units, with a CIF value of ₦153,590,000.00 and duty exposure of ₦19,213,000.00, translating to a Duty Paid Value of ₦172,803,000.00. Officials said the March interceptions reflected a shift toward intelligence-led targeting of higher-value consignments.
Cumulatively, the Service recorded 41 seized vehicles across 43 operational units within the quarter, with a total CIF value of ₦760,895,102.00, duty exposure of ₦161,995,043.00, and an overall Duty Paid Value of ₦922,890,145.00
Similarly, findings by Shipping Position Daily have revealed that the Service also intercepted over $1.57 million equivalent in undeclared foreign currencies in the first quarter of 2026.
Official data obtained by our correspondent from the Service through the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, showed that the seizures, recorded between January and March 2026, involved multiple cases of non-declaration by passengers arriving mainly from Saudi Arabia, as well as attempted illegal cash movement through land borders.
The interceptions comprised $1,399,900 in US dollars, 404,541 Saudi Riyals (SAR), 7 million CFA francs, 28 Chinese Yuan (CNY), and 20 Ghana Cedis (GHS), bringing the total estimated value to approximately $1.52 million based on prevailing exchange rates.
Breakdown of the seizures showed that in January 2026 alone, the Kano/Jigawa Area Command recorded two major interceptions at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport involving passengers arriving from Saudi Arabia.
On January 6, 2026, Customs officers intercepted a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia who failed to declare foreign currencies and was also found in possession of 25 ATM cards. The recovered items included $106,500 USD, 134,265 Saudi Riyals (SAR), 28 Chinese Yuan (CNY), and 20 Ghana Cedis (GHS).
On January 15, 2026, another passenger on the same route was arrested for similar offences, with a seizure comprising $32,000 USD and 120 Saudi Riyals (SAR). Both suspects initially made no declarations and were subsequently handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Directorate, for further investigation and prosecution.
Further findings showed that between February and March, Customs intensified surveillance operations across airports and land borders, leading to additional high-profile seizures. One of the largest interceptions occurred at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport where officers uncovered $1,154,900 and 135,900 SAR concealed in luggage during routine baggage checks on an inbound passenger from Saudi Arabia.
In a related operation at the same airport, Customs officers also intercepted $106,500 and 134,256 SAR from another passenger attempting to move the funds without declaration, contrary to Nigeria’s financial regulations.
At the land border, the Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, intercepted 7 million CFA francs, estimated at about ₦17 million, while being smuggled out of the country. The funds were transferred to the EFCC for investigation.
The Nigeria Customs Service said the seizures underscore its commitment to enforcing provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, warning that travellers who fail to declare cash above statutory thresholds risk arrest, forfeiture, and prosecution.
It added that all recovered funds were forfeited to the Federal Government, while suspects were transferred to the EFCC for further investigation in line with anti-money laundering provisions.
The Service however noted that the various seizures were achieved through intelligence-led surveillance, coordinated field operations, and enhanced monitoring of known smuggling corridors, particularly those linked to vehicle trafficking routes and illegal forex movements.
It added that the increasing sophistication of smuggling networks had necessitated stronger inter-unit collaboration and tighter enforcement strategies across Commands.
The Service reiterated its commitment to strengthening border security, improving compliance with import regulations, and safeguarding government revenue amid persistent economic pressures and evolving smuggling tactics.
