Nigeria Customs Intercepts N3.1bn Contraband in Three Weeks, Arrests 13 Suspects

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband goods valued at N3.1 billion and arrested 13 suspects in a series of anti-smuggling operations conducted over the past three weeks.

Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Muhammad Shau’aib, disclosed this at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday. He said the seizures were made at strategic points, including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State; and parts of Lagos metropolis.

According to Shau’aib, the operations underscore the Service’s “unwavering resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and confront economic saboteurs whose activities undermine the Federal Government’s fiscal policies.”

Details of the Seizures
The FOU chief revealed that the intercepted goods included:

• 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) — equivalent to seven trailer loads
• 22 used vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks
• 485 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totaling 12,125 litres
• 120 bales of used clothing
• 57 parcels of cannabis sativa
• 47 cartons of frozen poultry products
• 770 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil

Additionally, eight containers were seized for under-declared goods or attempted duty evasion, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.13 billion.

Between July 18 and August 12, the unit also recovered N47.8 million in revenue through the issuance of demand notices to defaulting importers.

Suspects and Prosecutions
Shau’aib confirmed that the 13 suspects arrested in connection with the seizures have been granted administrative bail, while others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution. The confiscated cannabis sativa, he added, will be transferred to the appropriate authorities for legal action.

Commitment to Trade Security
Reaffirming the NCS’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s trade environment, Shau’aib pledged continued vigilance against economic sabotage. “Our unit will remain a strong partner in trade facilitation, supporting legitimate commerce through intelligence-driven operations that balance enforcement with economic growth,” he said.

The Controller commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his support, and warned that the Service would not relent in protecting Nigeria’s borders from illicit trade.