The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 46 contraband shipments with a total duty-paid value of N1.5 billion during a two-week enforcement campaign.
This was disclosed by Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu during a press briefing held in Ikeja on Tuesday.
The seizures mark a significant breakthrough since he assumed command of the unit on April 23.
Shuaibu stated, “Within the two-week period, the unit recovered N48.34 million through demand notices issued for improperly declared consignments.”
He emphasized that the unit would not relent in maximizing all revenue avenues to recover financial losses from those attempting to shortchange the government.
“We will continue to harness all revenue components to recover losses from evaders,” Shuaibu said, stressing the importance of strategic plans that enhance the economy and legitimate trade. “Sustainable programmes would be developed to grow the economy, boost government revenue, and promote legitimate trade.”
He commended the operatives for their unwavering commitment in dealing a major blow to smugglers sabotaging the economy.
“Operatives’ resilience had inflicted heavy losses on saboteurs attempting to cripple the country’s economy through smuggling,” he added.
The Comptroller also disclosed that patrol units across South-West states had intensified surveillance, resulting in numerous interceptions in areas such as Imeko, Ilaro, Idiroko, Ilara, Ihumbo, Abeokuta, and Badagry.
Giving details, he said, “On May 23 and 24, at 03:00hrs and 02:30hrs, patrol teams intercepted two 40-foot containers in the Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2 axis.
“The containers, MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090, contained seven Mitsubishi Canters, Toyota Hiace buses, and three mini shuttles, all dismantled to evade duties.”
Other seized goods included 312 bales of printed wax, 23 bales of second-hand clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, 30 flat-screen TVs, 65 tabletop cookers, 31 used split air conditioning units, and used bicycles.
One of the key interceptions, according to Shuaibu, happened on May 19 around 3:00 am when a Volvo truck conveying 1,263 used tyres was intercepted, resulting in one arrest.
Later that evening, another truck transporting uncustomed goods, including bulletproof vests, was stopped along the Shagamu/Ijebu-Ode expressway.
“On May 26, at 06:00hrs, a Mercedes Benz truck was intercepted in Ijebu-Ode. It appeared empty at first.
“However, officers discovered Cannabis Sativa hidden in the truck’s compartments. One suspect was arrested,” Shuaibu stated.
Among the 46 seizures were 2,051 bags of 50kg foreign rice,equivalent to three trailer loads—11 used vehicles, 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa, and 4,000 litres of premium motor spirit.
A J5 bus loaded with expired items and a Volvo truck carrying 180 sacks of new towels were also intercepted.
A total of seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, which had an estimated duty-paid value of N1.28 billion, with the total climbing to N1.5 billion when all items were accounted for.
Shuaibu affirmed that the fight against smuggling would remain proactive and strategic, especially as offenders become increasingly cunning in their approaches.
Meanwhile, the seized cannabis was officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics, Mr. Abdul Mayaki, who received the illicit drugs, pledged intensified operations to secure Nigeria’s borders.
Mayaki noted the NDLEA’s commitment to closing in on drug syndicates through international cooperation.
“With ongoing synergy, we are closing the gap and will checkmate their activities,” he assured.
He also disclosed that an MoU had been signed with India to halt codeine production intended for Nigerian traffickers, forcing them to seek alternative smuggling channels.
