The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, has intercepted smuggled goods valued at ₦1.7 billion and arrested nine suspects within one month. The operation, driven by intelligence-led patrols and inter-agency collaboration, focused on cracking down on illicit trade across Southwest border corridors.

The seized items included:
• 3,832 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) – equivalent to seven trailer loads
• 27 used vehicles (Tokunbo)
• 494 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (14,820 litres)
• 27 bales of second-hand clothing
• 95 bags of charcoal
• 3,643 kg of cannabis sativa

The Customs Unit also generated ₦72.44 million from demand notices issued due to irregular declarations and underpayment of duties.

The Comptroller of the Unit, Kola Oladeji, emphasized that the seizures were made possible by aggressive surveillance and cooperation with sister agencies. He noted that seized narcotics have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

This clampdown aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s focus on enhancing border security, reducing economic sabotage, and strengthening trade integrity.