The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made seizures of smuggled items worth N1,784,432,000 Duty Paid Value (DPV) between June 3rd to July 18th, 2025 and arrested nine suspects in connection with the seizures.
The Comptroller General of Customs , Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Hussein Ejibunu made this known during a press briefing at the Unit in Ikeja, Lagos on July 18 , 2025.
He added that between June 3rd and July 18th, 2025, the Unit recovered a total of N95,587,231.47 from underpaid duties.
According to the CGC, a total of 102 enforcement interventions were recorded, leading to the interception of a wide range of the prohibited and smuggled goods which include: 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) – equivalent to 6 trailer load, 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), 7,900 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – in 316 jerry cans of 25 liters each, 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing, 41 sacks and bags of used footwear, 14 units of used (“Tokunbo”) vehicles, 148 pieces of used tyres, 42 used gas cylinders, 31 units of air conditioning systems and 95 cartons of frozen poultry products.
Other notable seizures include 1X40FT container with container number TRHU 83907321 fully loaded with used tyres, 1X20FT with container number ONEU241369 containing medicaments. Others are 2X40FT with containers numbers MSKU 4796036, MAEU 9205708, and one truck with container body conveying used fridges, foreign supermarket items and used clothes . All the containers were wrongly declared to invade duties.
Adeniyi disclosed that while some of the suspects were granted administrative bail, others have been, or will be, handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He announced that to enhance synergy and support for the Unit’s activities, he has embarked on familiarization visits to traditional institutions and sister security agencies across the zone. These visits aim to deepen collaboration in our collective effort to combat trans-border crimes and enhance national security.
The CGC announced that while the unit maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, it remains a strong partner in trade facilitation.
“In the past four weeks, from June 3rd to July 18th, 2025, the Unit has sustained a high operational tempo across the southwestern states. Our intelligence-led operations have enabled us to proactively intercept smuggled goods, disrupt illicit supply chains, and strengthen border enforcement.
“In addition to our enforcement duties, the Unit also ensures compliance with import and export regulations. We have continued to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where appropriate.
“The Federal Operations Unit remains deeply committed to executing its mandate with the utmost professionalism and in strict adherence to extant regulations. Our operations are conducted with restraint, respect for human rights, and a commitment to peaceful enforcement.
“These achievements would not be possible without the dedication and courage of our gallant officers, who risk their lives daily to secure our borders and protect the national economy. Their sacrifices are commendable and deserve public recognition.We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.
The Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu said the milestones recorded are a testament to the Nigerian Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensuring national security.
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