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By Correspondent in Lagos.
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service says it has intercepted 76 consignments of contraband goods valued at ₦3.1 billion, arresting 13 suspects in connection with the seizures within three weeks
Comptroller Muhammad Shuaibu, the Controller of the Unit, made this known on Thursday during a media briefing in Lagos.
According to him, the interceptions took place at strategic locations, including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State; and within the Lagos metropolis.
Shuaibu said the seizures underscored the Unit’s commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and confronting economic saboteurs whose activities undermine the Federal Government’s fiscal policies.
“I am pleased to report significant breakthroughs achieved by our dedicated officers through intelligence-driven operations over the past three weeks,” he said.
Among the seized items were:
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 Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totalling 12,125 litres
120 bales of used clothing
57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa
47 cartons of frozen poultry products
770 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil (25 litres each)
Shuaibu also disclosed that eight containers with under-declared goods or attempts to evade duties were seized, valued at ₦3.13 billion. Between July 18 and August 12, the Unit recovered ₦47.8 million from demand notices issued to defaulting importers.
He added that the 13 suspects arrested had been granted administrative bail, while some had been handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The seized cannabis, he noted, would be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for necessary action.
Shuaibu reaffirmed the Unit’s readiness to maintain strict border vigilance, prevent economic sabotage, and support legitimate trade through intelligence-led operations that balance enforcement with economic growth. He commended Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his continued support.
In his remarks, NDLEA Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Nasir Bungudu, lauded the Customs Unit for its collaboration with sister agencies, stressing that the seizures would help safeguard the economy and protect society from illicit substances.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
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