The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service in Ikeja has intercepted contraband goods worth N1.5 billion and arrested four suspects during a three-week operation in Lagos.

Customs Area Controller, Muhammed Shuaibu, disclosed this during a briefing in Lagos on Friday while handing over seized items to officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Shuaibu, who assumed duty on April 23, confirmed that the seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N1.5 billion were made between April 23 and May 16, 2025. He emphasized his commitment to utilizing his experience to manage the unit effectively.

"The command has generated N20.7 million through demand notices and has auctioned perishable items and petroleum products from irregular importation," Shuaibu stated.

The Area Controller also revealed that he had shifted the unit's approach to intelligence-driven operations, reducing delays caused by traditional stop-and-search methods.

NDLEA's Festac Area Commander, Abdul Maiyaki, commended the Customs Service for handing over seized cannabis and a suspect. He expressed gratitude to sister agencies for their continued support in helping NDLEA fulfill its mandate.

Similarly, NAFDAC Taskforce Chairman, Shuiba Muhammad, praised Customs for protecting the nation against harmful substances. He noted that Customs had handed over seven trucks of illicit drugs to NAFDAC three months ago, with more intercepted in this recent operation.

"These seizures are the result of effective inter-agency cooperation, which helps reduce insecurity linked to drug abuse. Stopping such drugs from circulation helps lower the country's insecurity levels," Muhammad added.

The handover ceremony highlights the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria Customs Service and other regulatory agencies in the fight against smuggling and illegal importation of harmful substances into the country.