The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted contraband goods valued at N1.5 billion and arrested four suspects during a three-week anti-smuggling operation in Lagos.
Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, who recently assumed office as the Customs Area Controller on April 23, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos on Friday. At the event, he officially handed over seized items to representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to Shuaibu, the seizures recorded between April 23 and May 16 had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.5 billion. The unit also generated N20.7 million through demand notices and the auction of perishable goods and petroleum products resulting from irregular importation practices.
Strategic Shift to Intelligence-Led Operations
Shuaibu highlighted a strategic shift toward intelligence-led operations, reducing reliance on conventional stop-and-search tactics. This approach, he noted, has helped streamline procedures and enhance enforcement outcomes.
Among the significant interceptions were seven 20-foot containers filled with various prohibited and improperly declared items. The detailed findings revealed:
- Container MSKU 8551954 loaded with used tyres and vehicles
- Containers SYDU 1479614, MSKU 7751689, and MSKU 798700 containing foreign parboiled rice
- Container ZCSU 8845072 holding new footwear
- ZCSU 7055181 containing new clothing
- IDU 4258491 filled with new bags
Other notable seizures included 4,085 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to seven trailer loads), 15 foreign-used vehicles, 82 packs of Tramadol (each with 10 sachets), and 246 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa. The unit also confiscated 290 jerry cans of petroleum products and 12 bales, along with four sacks of used clothing.
Inter-Agency Collaboration
The Comptroller reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service's unwavering resolve to combat smuggling, counterfeit goods, and other forms of illegal trade. He emphasized that these successes were achieved through inter-agency collaboration aimed at protecting the economy and public welfare.
Speaking at the event, Abdul Maiyaki, Area Commander of the NDLEA in Festac, commended Customs for transferring the seized cannabis and a suspect, praising the sustained collaboration among agencies.
NAFDAC Taskforce Chairman, Shuiba Muhammad, echoed similar sentiments, lauding Customs for its role in curbing the inflow of harmful substances. He recalled the handover of seven trucks of illicit drugs to NAFDAC earlier this year and said the latest seizures showcase the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in reducing security threats posed by drug abuse.
Shuaibu expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for the opportunity to lead, and urged the public to support the fight against smuggling by reporting suspicious activities and ensuring honest declarations during cargo clearance.
"Efficient trade facilitation remains critical to economic development, job creation, and regional integration," he stated, adding that the command will continue to prioritize intelligence-based enforcement to foster a transparent and inclusive trading environment.
