SHUAIBU TURNS THE HEAT ON ECONOMIC SABOTEURS; AS NAFDAC ADVOCATES FOR DEATH PENALTY FOR IMPORTERS OF COUNTERFEIT DRUGS
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) zone A, under the leadership of distinguished Comptroller MS Shuaibu is constantly turning the heat on economic saboteurs in the western zone, making various contraband goods worth more than N1, 188,830,600.000 in the last four weeks.
Briefing newsmen in Lagos today, the Controller of the Unit, Compt Shuaibu said the unit has intensified its anti- smuggling operations through intelligence-driven strategies which were aimed at cutting illicit goods trafficking, safe guarding revenue, and protecting consumers from hazardous and counterfeit products.
This is even as an official of the NAFDAC, the Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr Kareem Taiwo, said his agency has been advocating for capital punishment for importers of counterfeit and fake drugs.
Shuaibu stated that the Unit ‘remains firm and focused on safeguarding our nation’s borders, protecting the economy and combating all forms of illicit activities’
According to him, the unit leveraged advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing frameworks across the southwestern states, resulting in 125 successful interceptions within a six-week period. He listed the seized items as follows:
1. 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to 8 trailer loads)
2. 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles
3. 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 431.8kg
4. 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres)
5. 143 bales of used clothing, 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes, and 1 sack of used clothing
6. 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol
7. 210 pieces of used tyres
8. One 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, intercepted “for false declaration”
He stated that the seizures occurred in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states. Four defendants were arrested in connection with the operations and would be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
He revealed that a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,188,830,600.00 was recorded during the period, noting that it reflected the scale of their operations.
In demonstrating inter-agency collaboration, Shuaibu said that the seized Cannabis Sativa and pharmaceuticals would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.
He took the opportunity to remind the public that “the 2016 federal government fiscal policy that bans the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders is still enforced.” He warned that “some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction” would face the consequences, stating firmly that “our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission.”
He emphasized that these seizures reaffirmed the operational capability of the unit and “underscore our resolve to continuously confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine federal government policies.”
He also disclosed that from 1st September to 7th October 2025, the unit recovered ₦39,269,688.71 through the issuance of demand notices and enforcement against under-valuations.
While maintaining strong enforcement, Shuaibu assured that the unit also remained committed to “facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that lawful businesses operate without unnecessary hindrance.*
In conclusion, he reiterated that “the Federal Operations Unit Zone A remains unwavering in its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy,” adding that through sustained intelligence-led operations and the strategic deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, the unit would continue to secure Nigeria’s borders, protect national revenue, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.