FOU Zone A Records ₦3.14 Billion Worth of Seizures in Three Weeks
Kathy Kyari
The Federal Operations Unit Zone A (FOU A) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced significant breakthroughs in its intensified surveillance and enforcement operations across the South-West geopolitical zone, resulting in seizures worth over ₦3.14 billion in just three weeks.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, 14th August 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, reaffirmed the Unit’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s borders, protect the economy, and combat all forms of illicit trade.
“As an enforcement arm of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), our mandate remains firm and focused to safeguard our nation’s borders, protect the economy, and combat all forms of illicit trade,” Shuaibu stated.
He explained that the Unit had carried out 76 interceptions of smuggled and contraband goods, following intelligence-driven operations.
The seizures included:4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), equivalent to seven trailer loads, 22 used (tokunbo) vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks, 485 jerrycans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totaling 12,125 5litres, 120 bales of used clothing, 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 47 cartons of foreign poultry products, 770 jerrycans of 25 litres each of foreign vegetable oil
In addition, eight containers with misdeclared goods or attempts to evade duties were intercepted. They comprised: 4x40ft containers: MSKU-1629585 – Sacks of used shoes and canvas, MSKU-0733723 – Auto spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles, TCNU-9441240 – Furniture, ACLU-9673721 – Spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles, 4x20ft containers: TEMU-4596866 – Furniture, TCLU-3866419 – Furniture, TCKU-3962096 – Furniture, TCKU-1497232 – Pali bitters drinks
The seizures took place at strategic points across the South-West, including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State; and the Lagos metropolis.
Thirteen suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. While some have been granted administrative bail, others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at ₦3,144,680,000.00 (Three Billion, One Hundred and Forty-Four Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira).
“In line with our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized Cannabis Sativa will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution,” Shuaibu said.
He added that the operations underscored the Unit’s operational capabilities and strategic effectiveness, reaffirming their determination to dismantle smuggling networks and confront economic saboteurs.
Between 18th July and 12th August 2025, the Unit also recovered ₦47,834,397.29 through the issuance of Demand Notices (DNs) for questionable declarations, under valuations, and other infractions.
"While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. 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 said.
Comptroller Shuaibu commended the tireless efforts of the Unit’s operatives and reiterated their unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders against economic sabotage.
“We will not relent in our mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment and protect our economy from illicit trade practices,” he affirmed
He also thanked stakeholders and members of the media for their support and urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the NCS.
“We work together to build a safer and secure Nigeria,” he concluded.
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