Customs FOU A Intercepts Smuggled Goods Worth N1.8 Billion in Six Weeks, Arrest 9 Suspects
Kathy Kyari
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted smuggled goods valued at ₦1.8 billion within a six-week period in a renewed offensive against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.
Speaking during a press briefing on the Unit’s operations from June 3rd to July 18th, 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, who was represented by the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Hussein Ejibunu revealed that the seizures were recorded in 102 enforcement operations. He also disclosed that ₦95.6 million was recovered in underpaid duties while nine suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
Giving a breakdown of the intercepted items, Adeniyi said the confiscated goods included: 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), equivalent to six trailer loads, 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp), 7,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) contained in 316 jerry cans of 25 litres 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, 95 cartons of frozen poultry products
Other items seized included: One 40-foot container (TRHU 83907321) fully loaded with used tyres, One 20-foot container (ONEU241369) containing medicaments, Two 40-foot containers (MSKU 4796036 and MAEU 9205708), One truck with container body loaded with used fridges, foreign supermarket items, and used clothes
“A total of nine (9) suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures,” the CGC stated. “While some were granted administrative bail, others have been, or will be, handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
He added, “The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all intercepted items stands at an impressive ₦1,784,432,000 (one billion, seven hundred and eighty-four million, four hundred and thirty-two thousand Naira).”
Adeniyi commended the dedication and sacrifice of the officers of the Unit, noting that they risk their lives daily to protect the nation.
“In addition to our enforcement duties, the Unit also ensures compliance with import and export regulations,” he said. “We have continued to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where appropriate.”
According to him, “Between June 3rd and July 18th, 2025, the Unit recovered a total of ₦95,587,231.47 (Ninety-Five Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty-One Naira, Forty-Seven Kobo) in underpaid duties.”
Despite its heavy enforcement responsibilities, the CGC emphasized that the Unit also plays a crucial role in facilitating legitimate trade.
“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation,” he stated. “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.”
He concluded, “The milestones we’ve 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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