By correspondent in Lagos.
In a major crackdown on smuggling syndicates, operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have seized contraband worth N1.72 billion and arrested six suspects within the last month.
Comptroller Kola Oladeji, the Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone A, made the announcement on Wednesday in Lagos, revealing that the operation disrupted a network of criminals engaged in large-scale smuggling.
Among the confiscated goods were 3,832 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice—enough to fill seven trucks—alongside 27 units of smuggled used (Tokunbo) vehicles. Officers also intercepted 494 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totaling 14,820 litres, and 27 bales of illicit used clothing.
In a more alarming revelation, Oladeji disclosed that the unit seized 3,643 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp), a substance often linked to drug cartels and organized crime.
“This is not just about smuggling; it’s about criminal networks attempting to flood our streets with illegal goods,” Oladeji stated.
The crackdown also led to the interception of 95 bags of illegally trafficked charcoal, a commodity frequently smuggled for illicit export.
Oladeji emphasized that the seizures were the result of intensified border surveillance across South-Western states, part of an ongoing effort to dismantle smuggling rings and economic sabotage.
“Smuggling is not just an economic crime; it fuels insecurity and weakens our national economy,” he warned.
Authorities confirmed that six suspects had been arrested in connection with the smuggling operations. While their identities were not immediately disclosed, sources within the unit hinted that they are being interrogated for possible links to broader smuggling syndicates.
“We will ensure they face the full weight of the law,” Oladeji assured, adding that more arrests were likely as investigations unfold.
Beyond the seizures, the unit also recovered N72.4 million from importers who underpaid customs duties at seaports, issuing debit notes to enforce compliance.
Oladeji reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to enforcing the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, vowing that officers would remain relentless in their efforts to combat cross-border crime and illegal trade activities.
“The war against smuggling is far from over, and we are prepared for the long fight,” he declared.
With security agencies ramping up efforts against smuggling cartels, the latest bust underscores the high stakes in Nigeria’s battle against economic crimes and illicit trade.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
