The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has intercepted 133 consignments of prohibited and illicit goods with a combined value of N3.24 billion and recovered N728.98 million in lost revenue.
The seizures were made through a series of intelligence-led operations, enhanced risk profiling, compliance checks and targeted interventions against suspicious import declarations.
This was made known in a statement by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, on Monday.
Among the items intercepted were 4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, 12 foreign-used vehicles, 686 cartons of foreign poultry products, 26 cartons of foreign vegetable oil, 414 bales of second-hand clothing and 2,947 used tyres.
The Unit also seized large quantities of illicit drugs and controlled substances, including 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,439.9 kilogrammes, 49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud weighing 26.1 kilogrammes, 13 parcels of granular cannabis and one parcel of crystal methamphetamine.
Other prohibited substances recovered included 240,000 tablets of Tramadol and 12,000 tablets of Hypnox.
The Customs operatives also intercepted 964 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, with a combined volume of 24,100 litres, as well as 22 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 130.84 kilogrammes.
Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, said the enforcement operations were aimed at protecting the Nigerian economy, supporting local industries and strengthening national food security.
He noted that the seizure of illicit drugs would help protect public health, while the recovery of elephant tusks demonstrated the Service’s commitment to combating illegal wildlife trafficking.
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Aliyu also said the N728.98 million revenue recovery reflected the Unit’s determination to identify and recover government funds lost through under-declaration, false declarations and other customs-related fraudulent practices.
He urged importers, exporters and licensed customs agents to ensure accurate declarations and strict compliance with customs laws and regulations.
According to him, sustained compliance by stakeholders remains critical to strengthening border security, protecting legitimate businesses and improving government revenue.
The Customs boss further stressed that the enforcement operations were not only focused on revenue generation but also on preventing the entry and circulation of goods capable of undermining the domestic economy, public safety and national development.
He called on members of the public and other stakeholders to support the Service by providing credible information on suspected smuggling activities.
“Collective compliance and vigilance remain essential to consolidating the gains recorded in revenue recovery, border protection, public safety and national economic development,” Aliyu said.
The latest seizures underscore the continued efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service to intensify anti-smuggling operations and disrupt criminal networks exploiting Nigeria’s borders and trade corridors.
