The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted contraband goods valued at N1.5 billion during a two-week operation across South-West Nigeria. The seizure included 46 different contraband items ranging from foreign rice to cannabis sativa.

Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu disclosed this information during a media briefing held in Ikeja on Tuesday. The operation, which took place just three weeks after Shuaibu assumed leadership of the unit on April 23, also recovered N48.34 million through demand notices issued for improperly declared consignments.

Major Seizures and Operations

"On May 23 and 24, at 03:00hrs and 02:30hrs, patrol teams intercepted two 40-foot containers in the Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2 axis," Shuaibu stated. "The containers, MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090, contained seven Mitsubishi Canters, Toyota Hiace buses, and three mini shuttles, all dismantled to evade duties."

The customs teams also seized 312 bales of printed wax, 23 bales of clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, 30 flat-screen televisions, 65 tabletop cookers, and 31 used split air conditioning units among other items.

In another operation on May 19, a patrol team intercepted a Volvo truck containing 1,263 used tyres, leading to one arrest. Later that same day, officers stopped a truck along Shagamu/Ijebu-Ode expressway carrying uncustomed goods, including bulletproof vests.

Cannabis and Other Contraband

A significant discovery occurred on May 26 when officers intercepted a Mercedes Benz truck in Ijebu-Ode. "It appeared empty at first. However, officers discovered Cannabis Sativa hidden in the truck's compartments. One suspect was arrested," Shuaibu explained.

The total haul from the operations included 2,051 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to three trailer loads), 11 tokunbo vehicles, 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa, and 4,000 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS). Additional seizures included a J5 bus loaded with expired goods and a Volvo truck carrying 180 sacks of new towels.

Collaboration with NDLEA

Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics, NDLEA, Mr. Abdul Mayaki, received the cannabis seized by Customs during the handover. Mayaki revealed that an MoU had been signed with India to halt codeine production for Nigerian importers, forcing smugglers to seek alternative routes.

"With ongoing synergy, we are closing the gap and will checkmate their activities," Mayaki assured.

Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that the unit would remain vigilant as smugglers become more desperate and inventive in their tactics. He added that sustainable programs would be developed to grow the economy, boost government revenue, and promote legitimate trade.

Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, which had a duty-paid value of N1.28 billion. The total duty-paid value of all goods, including rice, PMS, vehicles, and drugs, amounted to N1.5 billion.