The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, has intercepted contraband goods valued at ₦1.7 billion in the last four weeks, including used vehicles and other illicit items smuggled through the country’s southwestern borders.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) in charge of the unit, Kola Oladeji, made this disclosure on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos State.

Details of the Seizure

Oladeji revealed that the 82 interceptions occurred across southwestern states, particularly along the Oyo and Ogun border areas. The operation led to the arrest of six suspects linked to the smuggling activities.

The seized items include:

• 3,832 bags of foreign rice (equivalent to seven trailers)
• 27 used vehicles (popularly known as Tokunbo)
• 494 kegs of premium motor spirit (PMS) (about 14,820 litres)
• 27 bales of used clothing
• 95 bags of charcoal
• 3,643 kilograms of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp)

Oladeji further noted that the unit recovered ₦72.4 million in revenue through the issuance of demand notices for irregular declarations of imported consignments.

Commitment to Anti-Smuggling Efforts

Emphasizing the unit’s dedication to enforcing the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, Oladeji declared that the agency remains committed to curbing smuggling, preventing revenue losses, and safeguarding national security.

“It took the painstaking efforts of our officers who spent hours on patrol and surveillance along the borders to achieve these seizures,” he said. “We will not relent in our commitment to combat illegal trans-border trade and other criminal activities.”

Inter-Agency Collaboration

In line with its inter-agency cooperation policy, the seized 3,643kg of cannabis sativa will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution, Oladeji confirmed.

The Swift Sting Operations initiative, a special enforcement program designed to disrupt smuggling networks, continues to yield positive results, the CAC added.

“This unit has implemented the collapse of some patrol teams within the Lagos metropolis to eliminate unnecessary trade impediments and foster a business-friendly environment,” he said.

Oladeji reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to public engagement, smuggling awareness, and enforcing compliance with the government’s fiscal policies.

The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its anti-smuggling efforts amid rising concerns over illegal trade, which poses economic and security risks to the nation.