Following the sustained smuggling activities around the South West states, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by Comptroller MS Shuaibu pledges to intensify surveillance and enforcement in the six states of the region to protect the national economy and halt all forms of illicit trade
By Edu Abade
In a sustained effort to deliver on its mandate of protecting the national economy, combat all forms of illicit trade, insecurity and safeguard the nation’s borders in the South West region, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated its commitment to combat smuggling by intensifying surveillance and enforcement in its operations. Customs Area Controller (CAC) in charge of the FOU Zone A, Lagos, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, who made the pledge at a media briefing on the activities of the Unit on Thursday, August 14, 2025, said the Command recorded significant accomplishments in the fight against smuggling, insisting that as an enforcement arm of the NCS, it remains firm and focused in safeguarding the nation’s borders, protect the economy and combat all forms of illicit trade.
His words, “In line with this mandate, the FOU Zone A has intensified surveillance and enforcement activities across the six states of the South-West geopolitical zone. I am pleased to report significant breakthroughs achieved by our dedicated officers and operatives through intelligence driven operations over the past three weeks.
“These efforts led to 76 interceptions of smuggled and contraband goods, which include 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each which is an equivalent of seven trailer loads; 22 used (tokunbo) vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks; 485 jerry cans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 12,125 litres; 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.
“In addition to these, we made notable seizures involving eight (8) containers with misdeclared goods or attempts to evade duties. The breakdown is as follows: 4x40ft containers; MSKU-1629585-Sacks of used shoes and canvas; MSKU-0733723-Auto spare parts, used tyres and vehicles; TCNU-9441240–Furniture; ACLU-9673721-Spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles; 4x20ft containers: TEMU-4596866-Furniture; TCLU-3866419-Furniture; TCKU-3962096-Furniture and TCKU-1497232-pali bitters drinks. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods amounts to N3.144 billion.”
The Controller explained that the seizures occurred at strategic points across the South-Western states, including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State and the Lagos metropolis.
He also revealed that a total of 13 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, adding that while some have been granted administrative bail, others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Speaking further, Comptroller Shuaibu said, “In line with our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized Cannabis Sativa will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution. These seizures underscore the operational capabilities and strategic effectiveness of our operatives.
“They also reinforce our unwavering resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and confront economic saboteurs whose actions threaten national security and undermine the fiscal policies of the Federal Government.”
Shuaibu also said beyond enforcement, FOU Zone A also plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with import and export regulations, adding that the Unit continues to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under valuations and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where necessary. Between July 18 and August 12, 2025, the Unit recovered a total of ₦47.8 million.
“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.
“I commend the tireless efforts of our operatives and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to securing our nation’s borders against all forms of economic sabotage. We will not relent in our mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment and protect our economy from illicit trade practices.
I also thank our stakeholders and esteemed media friends for their support and urge the public to provide the NCS with a report of any suspicious activities as we work together to build a safer and secure Nigeria,” he stated.
