Nigerian Customs Intercepts N1.5 Billion Worth of Contraband in Lagos

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja has made a significant breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations, intercepting contraband goods valued at N1.5 billion and arresting four suspects within a three-week period.

Details of the Operation

Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, the Customs Area Controller, revealed these developments during a press briefing in Lagos on Friday while handing over the seized items to officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Mr. Shuaibu, who assumed office on April 23, confirmed that the seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N1.5 billion were made between April 23 and May 16. The Customs chief pledged to continue using his experience to manage the unit effectively, noting that the command had stayed true to its objectives since his appointment.

Revenue Generation and Operational Strategy

Regarding revenue generation, Mr. Shuaibu reported that the command generated N20.7 million through various means including demand notices, auction of perishable goods, and petroleum products from irregular importation.

The controller emphasized that he had shifted the unit’s operational approach to intelligence-driven methods, significantly reducing delays caused by traditional stop-and-search techniques.

Breakdown of Seized Items

The unit intercepted seven 20-foot containers of illicit items in Lagos, with preliminary investigations revealing:

• Container MSKU 8551954: Used tyres and vehicles
• Containers SYDU 1479614, MSKU 7751689, and MSKU 798700: Foreign parboiled rice
• Container ZCSU 8845072: New shoes
• Container ZCSU 7055181: New clothes
• Container IDU 4258491: New bags

Other significant seizures included:

• 4,085 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to seven trailer loads)
• 15 foreign-used vehicles
• 82 packs of Tramadol (10 sachets each)
• 246 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa
• 290 jerry cans of petrol
• 12 bales with four sacks of used clothing

Commitment to National Security

Mr. Shuaibu reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to combating smuggling, counterfeiting, and other illicit trade activities. He stressed that these achievements demonstrate the agency’s dedication to safeguarding the national economy and protecting citizens through continued inter-agency collaboration.

The controller expressed gratitude to God and Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi for the opportunity to lead the command, while urging the public to report suspicious smuggling activities. He also advised traders to make honest declarations to avoid clearance issues.

Inter-Agency Cooperation

NDLEA’s Festac Area Commander, Abdul Maiyaki, praised Customs for their cooperation in handing over the seized cannabis and a suspect, while NAFDAC Taskforce Chairman Shuiba Muhammad commended Customs for their role in securing the nation against harmful substances.

Mr. Muhammad noted that effective inter-agency cooperation had led to significant drug seizures in recent months, contributing to national security by reducing the circulation of substances linked to criminal activities.

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