Customs Foils N3.24bn Smuggling Ring, Recovers N729m in Revenue

Victoria Silvanus

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted 220 consignments of prohibited and smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.24 billion and recovered N728.98 million in revenue through intensified enforcement operations and compliance checks.

Addressing journalists on the seizures, the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, said the Unit remained committed to protecting Nigeria’s economy and preventing the influx of prohibited items into the country.

“These seizures are a clear demonstration of our resolve to protect the nation’s economy, safeguard public health, support local industries, and ensure that smugglers do not profit from illegal activities at the expense of law-abiding Nigerians,” Aliyu said.

According to him, the seizures were recorded through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced risk profiling, and targeted interventions aimed at curbing smuggling, protecting local industries, and safeguarding government revenue.

The seized items included 4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, equivalent to eight trailer loads, 12 foreign-used vehicles, 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabises Sativa weighing 1,439.9kg, 49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud weighing 26.1kg, one parcel of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg, and 13 parcels of granular cannabis weighing 1.35kg.

Other items intercepted were 240,000 tablets of Tramadol, 12,000 tablets of Hypnox, 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84kg, 964 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) containing 24,100 litres, 26 cartons of foreign vegetable oil, 686 cartons of foreign poultry products, 414 bales of used clothing, and 2,947 used tyres, among other prohibited goods.

Speaking on revenue recovery, the Comptroller said the Unit had intensified efforts to block leakages and ensure full compliance with customs regulations.

“The revenue recovery of N728.98 million recorded within the period reflects our determination to identify and recover government revenue lost through under-declaration, false declaration, and other forms of customs fraud. We will continue to pursue every legitimate avenue to protect national revenue,” he stated.

He urged importers, exporters, and licensed customs agents to make honest declarations and comply with extant customs laws.

“Legitimate traders have nothing to fear. Our goal is to facilitate lawful trade, but we will not hesitate to take decisive action against individuals and organisations involved in smuggling and revenue evasion,” he warned.

Aliyu noted that the interception of foreign rice, vegetable oil, poultry products, used vehicles, used clothing, and other prohibited imports would help protect domestic industries, support food security, and preserve government revenue.

On the seizure of illicit drugs and wildlife products, he stressed the broader national implications.

“When we intercept dangerous drugs and controlled substances, we are not only enforcing customs laws; we are protecting our youths and communities from the devastating consequences of drug abuse. Likewise, the seizure of elephant tusks underscores our commitment to fighting illegal wildlife trafficking and preserving endangered species,” he said.

The Comptroller attributed the Unit’s successes to improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, intelligence fusion, and support from stakeholders and members of the public.

“Our enforcement strategy combines robust border security with trade facilitation. We appreciate the support of sister agencies, stakeholders, and patriotic Nigerians whose intelligence continues to contribute to these achievements,” he added.

He assured compliant traders of the Service’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and predictable trading environment while reiterating its zero-tolerance stance against smuggling, revenue fraud, and economic sabotage.

“Smuggling remains a threat to our economy and national security. The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ will sustain its zero-tolerance approach and continue to deploy all lawful measures to protect the nation’s economic interests,” Aliyu declared.