Customs intercepts N3.1bn contraband, arrests 13 in three weeks
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized contraband worth over ₦3.1 billion and arrested 13 suspects in operations across the South-West within three weeks.
Muhammad Shau’aib, Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, announced the seizures in Lagos on Thursday, saying they were made at strategic points in Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo and Lagos states.
“I am pleased to report significant breakthroughs achieved by our dedicated officers and operatives through intelligence-driven operations,” he said. “These efforts led to 76 interceptions of smuggled and contraband goods.”
“This is equivalent to seven trailer loads, 22 used (tokunbo) vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks.
“Other seizures intercepted within the period under review are 485 jerrycans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 12,125 litres.
“Others were 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,” he said.
Eight containers carrying under-declared goods or attempting duty evasion, valued at ₦3.13 billion, were also intercepted.
Between July 18 and August 12, the unit recovered ₦47.8 million through demand notices.
Shau’aib said the suspects were either granted administrative bail or handed over to relevant agencies, while the seized cannabis would be transferred to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.
Reaffirming the unit’s resolve to combat economic sabotage, he commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and pledged continued vigilance to “uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment” while supporting legitimate commerce.
