The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband valued at ₦1.72 billion within the last month.
The Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media briefing in Lagos.
According to Oladeji, the seized items included 3,832 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice—equivalent to seven truckloads—and 27 units of used (Tokunbo) vehicles.
Officers also confiscated 494 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), amounting to 14,820 litres, along with 27 bales of used clothing.
“Other seizures included 95 bags of charcoal, 3,643kg of Cannabis Sativa, and the arrest of six suspects in connection with these smuggling activities,” Oladeji said.
He noted that all the confiscated goods had a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1.72 billion.
The comptroller reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to enforcing the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and ensuring strict compliance with import and export regulations.
“The operatives of FOU A have intensified border surveillance across the South-Western states.
“This crackdown targets economic saboteurs operating in different sectors of the service.
“Key Performance Indicators (KPI), including revenue generation, smuggling suppression, and trade facilitation, have recorded significant successes through our Swift Sting Operations and other patrol efforts.
“During the period under review, the unit achieved significant milestones, making 82 interceptions,” he stated.
Oladeji praised the tireless efforts of customs officers in securing these seizures.
“The successes recorded this year were not easily achieved. Our officers spent long hours on patrol and surveillance to intercept these illegal goods.
“We will not relent in our commitment to tackling illegal cross-border trade and other criminal activities.
“The unit will continue engaging with the public to raise awareness about the economic and social implications of smuggling while ensuring compliance with government policies,” he added.
In addition to the seizures, Oladeji revealed that the unit generated ₦72.4 million from debit notes issued to importers who underpaid customs duties at seaports.
He highlighted that Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi had introduced several trade facilitation measures to enhance revenue generation and economic growth.
“The Customs CG has implemented several trade facilitation tools to enhance revenue generation and economic development.
“Initiatives like the Time Release Study (TRS), Advance Ruling, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme have improved investor confidence and customs efficiency.
“This unit has embraced these initiatives by restructuring patrol teams in Lagos to eliminate unnecessary trade barriers and promote a business-friendly environment,” he stated. (NAN)