FOU ‘A’ Customs Records N1.5bn Seizures, Arrests Four Suspects

FOU ‘A’ Customs Records N1.5bn Seizures, Arrests Four Suspects
……pledges total commitment to anti -smudging fight

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of smuggled goods valued at over N1.5 billion and the arrest of four suspects in connection with the seizures.

Comptroller Mohammed Shauibu, who assumed office on April 23, 2025, made this known on Friday during his inaugural press briefing at the unit’s headquarters in Lagos. He said the seizures were made possible through intelligence-led operations, signaling a strategic shift away from traditional stop-and-search methods.

According to Shauibu, the seized items include exotic vehicles, rice, drugs, used clothing, and petroleum products. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures stands at N1,501,312,425. In addition, the Unit recovered N20,792,372.99 through the issuance of Demand Notices (DN) and auction sales of perishable goods.

“Upon my arrival, I committed to leveraging my extensive experience to effectively navigate the complexities of this unit,” he stated. “We have moved away from traditional methods and adopted intelligence-driven strategies that ensure greater efficiency and minimize delays.”

The Comptroller highlighted a major operation where officers, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted seven 20-foot containers laden with contraband within the Lagos metropolis. The intercepted items included used tyres, foreign parboiled rice, new shoes, clothes, bags, as well as 4,085 bags of foreign rice (equivalent to seven trailer loads), 15 foreign-used vehicles, 82 packs of tramadol, 246kg of cannabis sativa, 290 jerry cans of PMS, and several bales of used clothing.

Four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, and the illicit drugs have been handed over to appropriate agencies. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) took custody of the cannabis, while the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) received the tramadol capsules for further investigation and prosecution.

Shauibu reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to combating smuggling and protecting Nigeria’s economy. “These achievements testify to our unwavering dedication. We will continue to work closely with sister security agencies and local communities to dismantle smuggling networks,” he added.

On trade facilitation, Shauibu emphasized the unit’s commitment to supporting economic growth through efficient and transparent operations. He revealed plans to collapse all existing patrol points within Lagos to enhance seamless trade activities.

“I take this responsibility seriously,” he said. “Our goal is to foster an inclusive trading environment that benefits stakeholders and the general public.”

The Comptroller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his support, and commended officers of the Unit for their dedication. He also thanked the media for their continued partnership in public sensitization and enforcement support.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute,” Shauibu concluded, “and we urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.”