By Adenike Dada
In a decisive crackdown on smuggling and illicit trade, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “A”, Ikeja, has arrested four suspects linked to 125 contraband seizures valued at ₦1,188,830,600.00 within just six weeks of intensified operations across the Southwest.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, disclosed that the seizures were made through coordinated anti-smuggling operations across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos States.
According to him, the arrests followed “joint intelligence-driven operations” and sustained surveillance efforts aimed at dismantling smuggling networks operating across Nigeria’s southwestern corridors.
“Our officers are more vigilant, more strategic, and more united in purpose than ever before. These seizures represent a clear warning to economic saboteurs that the Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in protecting the nation’s borders, economy, and citizens,” Shuaibu stated.
The items intercepted include:
· 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 8 trailer loads).
· 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles smuggled through unapproved routes.
· 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (weighing approximately 431.8kg) with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦32.8 million.
· 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), approximately 11,500 litres.
· 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, seized for false declaration.
The four suspects arrested in connection with the operations, he said, would be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
Comptroller Shuaibu handed over the seized Cannabis Sativa and fake pharmaceutical products to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.
Receiving the handover, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Nasir Garba Bugudu, representing NDLEA, commended the Customs Service for its unwavering collaboration in combating drug trafficking.
“The synergy between NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service continues to yield positive results. These seizures show that inter-agency cooperation remains key to curbing the spread of narcotics and counterfeit drugs,” he noted.
Comptroller Shuaibu reaffirmed that the 2016 Federal Government policy banning the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders remains in force. He warned smugglers and unpatriotic traders against undermining government trade policies.
“Let it be clear that we will not tolerate any form of smuggling, false declaration, or importation of harmful substances. The Unit remains firm and focused on protecting the economy and safeguarding public health,” he stressed.
He further assured Nigerians of the Service’s commitment to consumer safety, pledging to continue intercepting fake, expired, hazardous, and counterfeit products entering the country.
The Customs boss also expressed appreciation for the collaboration of sister agencies such as NDLEA, NAFDAC, and other security outfits in achieving these successful operations.
“Our collective effort guarantees that the Unit remains operationally capable to confront economic saboteurs, while ensuring legitimate trade continues without unnecessary hindrance or extortion,” Shuaibu concluded.
