Customs Intercept 8 Trucks Of Smuggled Rice, Petrol, Others Worth N1.2bn

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations across the South-West, intercepting contraband goods worth over N1.2 billion within six weeks.

The seizures include eight trucks fully laden with smuggled foreign parboiled rice, 11,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), cannabis sativa, 15 tokunbo vehicles, 143 bales of used clothing, and a 20-foot container falsely declared as calcium lactate, among other prohibited items.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, said the items were seized across the border corridors of Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos States, adding that four suspects were arrested in connection with the illicit trade.

He noted that the Unit’s sustained intelligence-driven operations and advanced surveillance systems have led to 125 successful interceptions, reinforcing the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigeria’s economy, protect consumers, and curb the influx of banned goods.

“Continuing our decisive measures against smugglers who undermine Nigeria’s economy, the FOU A has sustained momentum through intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing illicit goods trafficking, safeguarding revenue, and protecting consumers from hazardous and counterfeit products.

“Our unit has reinforced anti-smuggling strategies across the southwestern states of Nigeria by leveraging advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing frameworks. This has resulted in 125 successful interceptions within 6 weeks of operations.”

“5,015 bags of 50kg, equivalent to eight trucks of fully laden smuggled foreign parboiled rice, 11,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), cannabis sativa, among others, worth N1.2billion.

Also intercepted are 15 used tokunbo vehicles; 143 bales of used clothing; 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes; 390 bottles of Codeine; 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of tramadol; 210 pieces of used tyres and 1X20ft container of ONEU 2419369 FTC containing 752 Ctns of Calcium lactate intercepted for false declaration.”

The Customs boss further stated that the seized pharmaceuticals and Cannabis Sativa would be handed over to the relevant government agencies for further investigation.

Speaking further, Compt. Shuaibu further reiterated that the federal government ban on importation of foreign parboiled rice through the land borders still exists, hence the unit will continue to inflict heavy losses on smugglers.

“A Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.2billion was recorded during this period, reflecting the scale of our operations. Demonstrating our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized pharmaceuticals and Cannabis Sativa will be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), respectively.

“It is pertinent to re-echo that the 2016 federal government fiscal policy that bans the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders is still enforced. Therefore, let me warn some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction that our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission

“These seizures reaffirm our operational capacity and underscore our resolve to continuously confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine federal government policies.

“Additionally, the Federal Operations Unit Zone A continues to enforce import and export compliance by addressing undervaluations and issuing demand notices.

Between 1st September and 7th October 2025, a total of N39 million was recovered.

“While maintaining rigorous enforcement to root out economic saboteurs, we remain equally committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that lawful businesses operate without unnecessary hindrance.

“In conclusion, the Federal Operations Unit Zone A remains unwavering in its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy. The unit has achieved significant seizures of illicit goods across key southwestern border points through sustained intelligence-led operations and the strategic deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, underscoring our dedication to protecting revenue and public health.

“FOU A will continue to intensify these efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders, uphold national security, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and stability of our nation’s economy.”