Western Marine Customs Seizes 14,100 litres of Diesel, 204 bags of Rice, Cosmetics in Waterways Raids
… DC Jonah Declares “No Hiding Place for Smugglers on Waterways”
The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Area Command, has intercepted 14,100 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 204 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 40 cartons of assorted cosmetic products in a series of anti-smuggling operations along the waterways in its area of responsibility.
Acting Controller of the unit, Thomas Jonah disclosed at a press briefing in Lagos that the seizures, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦83,124,000, were made during intelligence-driven enforcement and routine patrols. Officers recovered 282 kegs of AGO ,each holding 50 litres, the rice and the cosmetics.
Jonah, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs added that the operations unfolded over three days. On Thursday, 5 November 2026, a joint patrol team from Yekeme, Badagry and the Command Information Patrol recovered the 40 cartons of cosmetics.
He stated further that at about 03:45 on Friday, 6 November, the same joint team intercepted 50 kegs of AGO (2,500 litres) while on routine patrol along the Akere waterways.
According to him, at about 01:00 on Saturday, 7 November, the Command’s Information and Barbeach Outstation Team, acting on intelligence, moved to the Takwabay waterways and seized 232 kegs of AGO 11,600 litres. Officers also recovered a fibre boat fitted with a 40HP outboard engine believed to have been used in the attempted smuggling.
Separately, the command seized 204 bags of foreign parboiled rice with a DPV of ₦19,584,000 through its enforcement activities.
In each case, the suspected smugglers abandoned the goods and fled when they sighted the approaching officers, escaping arrest. The items and associated equipment were evacuated to the command.
Because of its highly combustible nature, the seized AGO has been converted to seizure and constructively warehoused for safety. The other items are being processed under established Customs procedures. The diesel will be auctioned to the public in line with extant laws.
Jonah praised the officers involved for their vigilance, professionalism and quick response to intelligence. He said the interceptions reflect the command’s commitment to intelligence-led enforcement, waterway surveillance and the protection of national economic interests.
Jonah reassured communities along the waterways that the command, in line with the policy direction of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, will continue to strengthen its strategies, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies. He called on the public to provide timely information that can help identify and stop illicit activities.
“There will be no hiding place for smugglers and economic saboteurs within our area of responsibility,” he said.
One Comment