By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, covering entire South West Nigeria in its continued onslaught against smugglers to protect the nation’s economy, has successfully seized a total of 5,015 bags of smuggled foreign rice of 50kg each, equivalent to 8 trailer loads, 15 used tokunbo vehicles valued at ₦1,188,830,600.00 (One billion, one hundred and eighty eight million, eight hundred and thirty thousands, six hundred naira).
The Controller of the command, Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, who disclosed this while addressing journalists on Tuesday at the unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, said the seizures were made within six weeks across the borders in Ogun, Oyo, Lagos and Ondo states.
According to Shuaibu, the unit’s sustained momentum was through intelligence-driven operations adding that four suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures and will be handed over to relevant agencies for investigation and prosecution.
Other items stated to have been seized include 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 431.8kg, 390 bottles of codeine, 19 cards of tramadol, 460 jerrycans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit equivalent to 11,500 litres, 143 bales of used clothing, 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes, I sack of used clothing, 310 foreign-branded drugs, 210 pieces of used tyres 1X20FT container containing 752 cartons of calcium lactate.intercepted for false declaration.
The seized pharmaceuticals and Cannabis Sativa were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) respectively.
Comptroller Shuaibu revealed that the seizures underscore the unit’s capacity and unwavering resolve to confront those threatening national security and undermining federal government policies.
“The Federal Operations Unit Zone A remains firm and focused on safeguarding our nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit activities:
“Continuing our decisive measures against smugglers who undermine Nigeria’s economy, the Unit has sustained momentum through intelligence driven operations aimed at curbing illicit goods trafficking, safeguarding revenue, and protecting consumers from hazardous and counterfeit products.
“Our unit has reinforced anti-smuggling strategies across the southwestern states of Nigeria by leveraging advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing frameworks. This has resulted in 125 successful interceptions within six (6) weeks of operations”, he said.
Warning smugglers, Shuaibu emphasized that the 2016 federal government fiscal policy banning the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders remains in force.
His words, “Let me warn some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction that our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission”.
In addition to the seizures, he said the Unit recovered a total of N39,269,688.71 between September 1st and October 7th, 2025, through issuance of demand notices and enforcement of under-valuations.
He assured that while the unit maintains rigorous enforcement against economic saboteurs, it remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade.
“The FOU Zone A remains unwavering in its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy. Through sustained intelligence led operations and the strategic deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, the unit has achieved significant seizures of illicit goods across key southwestern border points, underscoring our dedication to protecting revenue and public health.
“We will continue to intensify these efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders, uphold national security, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and stability of our nation’s economy,” he said.
