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

Nigerian Customs Seizes N1.5 Billion Worth of Contraband in Major Lagos Operation

Massive Seizure in Three-Week Operation

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja has intercepted contraband goods worth N1.5 billion and arrested four suspects during a three-week operation in Lagos. Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, the Customs Area Controller, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday while handing over seizures to officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Details of the Operation

Mr. Shuaibu, who assumed duty 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 use his experience to manage the unit effectively, stating that the command had stayed true to its mandate of combating smuggling and illicit trade.

Breakdown of Seized Items

The unit’s operations led to the interception of:

Seven 20-foot containers of illicit items
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

Revenue Generation and Operational Strategy

Regarding revenue, Mr. Shuaibu reported that the command generated N20.7 million through demand notices, auctioned perishables, and petroleum products from irregular importation. He emphasized that the unit has shifted to intelligence-driven operations, reducing delays caused by traditional stop-and-search methods.

Inter-Agency Collaboration

The Customs chief highlighted the importance of collaboration with other agencies, noting that the seizures were handed over to NDLEA and NAFDAC for further action. Abdul Maiyaki, NDLEA’s Festac Area Commander, praised Customs for the handover of seized cannabis and a suspect, while NAFDAC Taskforce Chairman Shuiba Muhammad commended the efforts in securing the nation against harmful substances.

Commitment to National Security

Mr. Shuaibu stressed that the Nigeria Customs Service remains steadfast in combating smuggling, counterfeits, and other illicit trade. He emphasized that these achievements reflect the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the economy and citizens through continued inter-agency cooperation.

The Customs chief urged the public to report suspicious smuggling activities and advised honest declarations to avoid clearance issues. He pledged that intelligence-led operations would create a more transparent, inclusive, and seamless trading environment in Lagos.

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