ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has arrested four suspects in connection with 125 contraband Seizures worth ₦1,188,830,600.00 within six-week period.
Addressing Journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, the Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller MS Shuaibu made this known revealing that the seizures occurred in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos States respectively.
Intercepted Cannabis Sativa having a DPV of N32.8Million
Comptroller Shuaibu attributed the successful operations to leveraged advance surveillance and intelligence-sharing frameworks across the southwestern states.
He highlighted the seized items to include: 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to 8 trailer loads); 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles; 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 431.8kg; 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres); 143 bales of used clothing, 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes, and 1 sack of used clothing; 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol; 210 pieces of used tyres; and One 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, intercepted “for false declaration”.
To him, the Four suspects arrested in connection with the operations will be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
The 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres) seized within six weeks.
Comptroller Shuaibu expressed the Unit’s continued commitment to fighting smuggling, stressing that the Federal Operations Unit Zone A remained “firm and focused on safeguarding the nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit activities.”
He explained that the Unit had intensified its anti-smuggling operations through intelligence-driven strategies, which were aimed at curbing illicit goods trafficking, safeguarding revenue, and protecting consumers from hazardous and counterfeit products.
While demonstrating the spirit of inter-agency collaboration, Comptroller Shuaibu handed over the seized Cannabis Sativa and pharmaceuticals to the representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.
Comptroller Shuaibu reiterated that the 2016 Federal Government fiscal policy that bans the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders is still enforced,” and warned that the selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continued to defy the restriction will face the consequences.
“Our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission,” he vowed.
Speaking further, Comptroller Shuaibu noted that the seizures reaffirmed the operational capability of the Unit and underscore its 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, FOU A recovered ₦39,269,688.71 through the issuance of demand notices and enforcement against under-valuations.
Comptroller Shuaibu also assured that the Unit remained committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that lawful businesses operate without unnecessary hindrance.
“The Federal Operations Unit Zone A remains unwavering in its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy, and 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,” he maintained.
Receiving the seized Cannabis Sativa, representative of NDLEA, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Nasir Garba Bungudu praised Nigeria Customs Service’s doggedness in terms of higher intelligence capacity shown in the arrest of the Sativa for NDLEA.
