SHUAIBU RATTLES ECONOMIC SABOTEURS IN SOUTH WEST; INTERCEPTS N3.144 BILLION PROHIBITED GOODS
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Assorted contraband goods worth more than N3.1 billion have been intercepted by operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) zone A Lagos in the last one month.
Briefing newsmen today, the Controller of the Unit, Comptroller MS Shuaibu said the feat was a product of intelligence. Thirteen suspects are in custody.
The seizures include foreign parboiled rice totaling 4,068 bags, equivalent to seven trailer-loads, 22 used vehicles,cannabis sativa and 120 bales of used clothing.
As an enforcement arm of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), our mandate remains firm and focused to safeguard our nation’s borders, protect the economy, and combat all forms of illicit trade.
In line with this mandate, the Federal Operations Unit Zone A (FOU A) has intensified surveillance and enforcement activities across the six states of the South-West geopolitical zone.
He is pleased to report significant breakthroughs achieved by their dedicated officers and operatives through intelligence driven operations over the past 3 weeks. These efforts led to a total of seventy-six (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
• 770 jerrycans of 25 litres each of foreign vegetable oil
In addition to these, they made notable seizures involving eight (8) 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
• TCKU-1497232 – pali bitters drinks
According to him, these 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.
A total of 13 suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures. While some have been granted administrative bail, others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at ₦3,144,680,000.00 (Three Billion, One hundred and Forty-Four Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira) only. In line with their commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized Cannabis Sativa will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
He said, these seizures underscore the operational capabilities and strategic effectiveness of their operatives. They also reinforce their unwavering resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and confront economic saboteurs whose actions threaten national security and undermine the fiscal policies of the federal government.
He deposed, beyond enforcement, FOU Zone A also plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with import and export regulations. They continue to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where necessary. Between 18th July and 12th August 2025, the Unit recovered a total of ₦47,834,397.29 (Forty-Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Four Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-Seven Naira, Twenty-Nine Kobo).
While they maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. They continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.
In conclusion, the Controller commend the tireless efforts of their operatives and reaffirm their steadfast commitment to securing our nation’s borders against all forms of economic sabotage. He said they will not relent in their mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment and protect our economy from illicit trade practices.
“Let me also thank our stakeholders and esteemed media friends for their support and urge the public to provide the NCS with a report of any suspicious activities as we work together to build a safer and secure Nigeria”, he said.