Once again, the Nigeria Customs Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, under the control of Comptroller MS Shuaibu, carries out devastating offensives against smuggling activities in the South west region, crushing the nerves of die-hard smugglers, and dispossessing them of their illicitly imported goods
By Innocent Chukwu
Headquartered in Lagos, the Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, is in charge of policing the six states of the South west region against all forms of illicit importation, exportation and other forms of international trade malpractices that are capable of causing harm to citizens and endangering the security of lives and properties.
Under Comptroller MS Shuaibu’s watch since early in the year, the FOU Zone A has reorganized its activities, as well as re-strategized its operational modes to aggressively decode numerous tactics of smugglers within its domain to ensure that the country is safe and secure.
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of FOU A, Comptroller Shuaibu, said the Unit sustained the crackdown against economy saboteurs in the South west region which resulted in the interception of various illicit items brought into the by the smugglers.
Comptroller Shuaibu who addressed the media on the recent activities and achievements of the unit, used the event to also showcase the illicit items the Command confiscated from smugglers.
He added that the FOU under his watch remained firm and focused on safeguarding the nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit activities.
The CAC also hinted that the Unit has, upon his taking over last March, reinvented its anti-smuggling operations through intelligence-driven strategies, which are aimed at curbing trafficking in contrabands, as well as safeguarding revenue, and protecting consumers from the consumption of hazardous and counterfeit products.
According to him, the Unit leveraged advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing frameworks across the six states of the South west region, which resulted in 125 successful interceptions within a six-week period. Comptroller Shuaibu said the seized items were
5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice which according to him, is an equivalent of eight trailer loads of rice,
15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles,
640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa commonly called Indian hemp weighing approximately 431.8kg, as well as
460 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit which amounts to about 11,500 litres.
Other seizures recorded by the Command within the same period under review were 143 bales of used clothing, 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes, and 1 sack of used clothing.
There were also390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol,
210 pieces of used tyres,
one 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) bearing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate which was intercepted for false declaration.
Shuaibu further stated that the seizures occurred in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states. Four defendants were arrested in connection with the operations and would be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
He revealed that a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,188,830,600.00 was recorded during the period, noting that it reflected the scale of smugglers’ operations.
In demonstrating inter-agency collaboration, Shuaibu said that the seized Cannabis Sativa and pharmaceuticals would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),d respectively.
He took the opportunity to remind the public that “the 2016 Federal Government fiscal policy that bans the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders is still enforced.” He warned that some selfish and die-hard smugglers still defied the restriction, and would face the consequences, stating firmly that “our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission.”
He emphasized that these seizures reaffirmed the operational capability of the unit and “underscore our 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, the Unit recovered ₦39,269,688.71 through the issuance of Demand Notices and enforcement against under-valuations.
While maintaining strong enforcement, Shuaibu assured that the FOU also remained committed to “facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that lawful businesses operate without unnecessary hindrance.”
In conclusion, he reiterated that “the Unit remained unwavering in its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy,” adding that 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.
