Customs FOU Zone A Intensifies Crackdown on Smuggling, Seizes Goods Worth Over ₦1.18 Billion
Kathy Kyari
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has sustained its clampdown on economic saboteurs, recording a string of high impact interceptions valued at over ₦1.18 billion within six weeks across the southwestern region.
Addressing journalists at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, reaffirmed the Unit’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy and national security.
He stated that the Unit “remained firm and focused on safeguarding our nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit activities.”
According to Shuaibu, the intensified anti-smuggling drive was guided by intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing illicit trade, safeguarding revenue, and protecting consumers from hazardous and counterfeit goods.
Through advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing frameworks, the Unit recorded 125 successful interceptions across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos States within the period under review.
The seizures included: 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to 8 trailer loads), 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles, 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 431.8kg, 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres), 143 bales of used clothing, 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes, and 1 sack of used clothing, 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 pieces of used tyres, One 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate intercepted “for false declaration.”
Four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and, according to the Comptroller, would be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Shuaibu disclosed that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items stood at ₦1,188,830,600.00, reflecting the magnitude of the Unit’s enforcement activities.
He added that in demonstration of inter-agency collaboration, the seized Cannabis Sativa and pharmaceutical products would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.
The Customs boss also reminded the public that “the 2016 federal government fiscal policy that bans the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders is still enforced.” He warned that “some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction” would face the consequences, stressing that “our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission.”
He emphasized that the series of interceptions “underscore our resolve to continuously confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine federal government policies.”
Between September 1 and October 7, 2025, the Unit also recovered ₦39,269,688.71 through demand notices and enforcement on under-valued goods.
While reaffirming the Unit’s firm stance against smuggling, Shuaibu noted that FOU Zone A remained committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that compliant businesses operated without unnecessary hindrance.
The CAC reiterated that “the Federal Operations Unit Zone A remains unwavering in its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy,” adding that sustained intelligence-led operations and the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies would continue to enhance border security and protect national revenue.
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