The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, has announced the interception of contraband goods worth N1.5 billion in Lagos, alongside the arrest of four suspects linked to smuggling operations.
EpeInsights reports that the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, stated this during a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, disclosed that the seizures were made over a three-week period between April 23 and May 16, 2025.
The contraband was formally handed over to officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action.
Comptroller Shuaibu, who assumed office on April 23, highlighted that the successful operations reflect a strategic shift toward intelligence-driven enforcement. He stated that the new approach has helped reduce delays traditionally caused by routine stop-and-search inspections.
Among the seizures were seven 20-foot containers carrying various illicit goods. These included used tyres and vehicles, large quantities of foreign parboiled rice, new clothes, shoes, and bags. Additional confiscated items included over 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign rice—equivalent to seven trailer loads—15 foreign-used vehicles, 82 packs of tramadol, 246 kg of cannabis sativa, 290 jerry cans of petrol, and bales of used clothing.
Shuaibu also revealed that the command generated N20.7 million in revenue through demand notices and auctions of perishable and irregularly imported petroleum products.
In his remarks, the customs boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to curbing smuggling, counterfeit goods, and illicit trade. He credited the achievements to strengthened collaboration with partner agencies and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities.
“We remain focused on creating a transparent and inclusive trade environment that supports economic growth and job creation,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to his officers for executing the operations without any injuries and acknowledged the media’s role in public awareness.
The NDLEA Festac Area Commander, Abdul Maiyaki, commended the customs for their continued support and prompt handover of narcotics, noting that inter-agency cooperation plays a key role in reducing drug-related insecurity in Nigeria.
Similarly, NAFDAC Task Force Chairman, Shuiba Muhammad, praised the customs for their vigilance, recalling that a similar seizure of seven trucks of illicit drugs was made just three months ago. He emphasized that intercepting such substances is vital for public safety and national security.
The Nigeria Customs Service continues to call on importers and clearing agents to make honest declarations and adhere to existing trade regulations to avoid sanctions and promote efficient port operations.
