Customs Intercepts 15 Trucks Of Smuggled Rice, Records N5.5bn Seizures In 8 Weeks

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on smuggling activities, intercepting 15 truckloads of foreign parboiled rice alongside other contraband items in a sweeping enforcement operation across the South-West.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller, Gambo Aliyu, stated that the unit had successfully thwarted 473 smuggling attempts within eight weeks, with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) estimated at N5.5 billion.

“We intensified decisive measures against smugglers who would stop at nothing to undermine the enforcement of Federal Government fiscal policy measures and the provisions of the NCS Act 2023,” Aliyu said.

“Within eight weeks, our operations led to the interception of 473 smuggling attempts across the South-West.”

According to him, the seizures cut across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo States, and included 8,794 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to about 15 trailer loads, 22 used vehicles, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 328 bales of used clothing, used tyres, foreign spaghetti, sugar, and hundreds of cartons of poultry products.

He described the scale of the seizures as evidence of both the persistence of smuggling networks and the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement operations.

“The numerous seizures recorded across the South-West are a clear testament to the operational efficiency of our officers and the success of our intelligence-driven strategies,” he noted.

Aliyu further disclosed that the unit recorded a breakthrough in the fight against narcotics under “Operation Hawk,” with the interception of 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as ‘Ghanaian Loud,’ weighing 1,540 kilograms.

“This effort is an affirmation of our commitment to the fight against drug smuggling syndicates,” he said. “We are continuously evolving strategies as traffickers devise new methods to perpetrate illicit trade.”

In a separate operation along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, Customs operatives also intercepted a vehicle conveying cocaine and methamphetamine valued at approximately N2.35 billion. The drugs, weighing 6.4 kilograms in total, were concealed in parcels within the vehicle.

“The suspect has been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing,” Aliyu confirmed, adding that all narcotics seizures would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Regarding revenue performance, he disclosed that the unit generated N5.5 billion in Duty Paid Value from seizures, along with an additional N97.7 million recovered through Demand Notices issued for under-declared consignments.

Aliyu attributed the results to strengthened enforcement and improved compliance monitoring across the trade value chain.

He also highlighted ongoing reforms within the unit, including the deployment of advanced technologies such as geospatial intelligence, drone surveillance, and predictive analytics to track smuggling routes and enhance operational response.

“We are integrating modern tools such as GIS, satellite imagery, and predictive analytics to map high-risk corridors and disrupt supply chains before they reach our highways,” he explained.

The Comptroller further announced plans for a phased relocation of the unit to a newly commissioned ultra-modern headquarters in Iperu, Ogun State, describing it as a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency and inter-agency coordination.

“This relocation is a transformative step that will enhance real-time monitoring, boost inter-agency collaboration, and position the unit for greater efficiency in tackling smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade,” he said.

Reaffirming the unit’s resolve, Aliyu stressed that enforcement would remain firm against economic saboteurs while ensuring the facilitation of lawful trade.

“We will not relent in our mission to secure the nation’s borders and protect the economy from illicit trade practices,” he stated.