Customs Intercept 7 Trucks Of Smuggled Rice, Used Vehicles, Others Worth N3.1bn

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Thursday the seizure of seven trucks of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, used vehicles, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and bales of used clothing, valued at N3.145 billion, in the last three weeks.

The Customs Comptroller, FOU Zone A, Mohammed Shuaibu, briefed journalists on the Unit’s activities in the last three weeks and stated that the seizures were made through intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering efforts.

Comptroller Shuaibu disclosed that the Unit had been ramping up its anti-smuggling operations recently, resulting in significant hauls of contraband.

He explained that the operation led to 76 interceptions of smuggled and contraband goods, and 13 suspects were also arrested in connection with the seizures.

According to him, some suspects have since been granted administrative bail, while others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The comptroller disclosed that all the seizures occurred at strategic points across the South-Western states, including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State and the Lagos metropolis.

Shuaibu put the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods at N3.145 billion.

“These efforts led to a total of 76 interceptions of smuggled and contraband goods, which include the following: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 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 12,125 litres, 120 bales of used clothing, 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 47 cartons of foreign poultry products and 770 jerrycans of 25 litres each of foreign vegetable oil.

“In addition to these, we made notable seizures involving eight containers with misdeclared goods or attempts to evade duties. The breakdown is as follows:4x40ft containers, MSKU-1629585 – Sacks of used shoes and canvas, MSKU-0733723 – Auto spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles, TCNU-9441240 – Furniture, ACLU-9673721 – Spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles, 4x20ft containers: TEMU-4596866 – Furniture, TCLU-3866419 – Furniture, TCKU-3962096 – Furniture and TCKU-1497232 – pali bitters drinks” he said.

Comptroller Shuaibu further stated that as an enforcement arm of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), its mandate remains firm and focused on safeguarding the nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit trade.

He said that aside from enforcement, the Unit also plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with import and export regulations. It has also continued to scrutinise questionable declarations, correct undervaluations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where necessary.

“Between July 18 and August 12, 2025, the Unit recovered N47.834 million from undervalued goods that exited the seaports.

“These seizures underscore the operational capabilities and strategic effectiveness of our operatives. They also reinforce our unwavering resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and confront economic saboteurs whose actions threaten national security and undermine the federal government’s fiscal policies,” he added.