FOU ‘A’ Seizes N3.2BN Worth Of Contraband, Recovers N728.9M As NCS Intensifies War Against Smuggling
FOU ‘A’ Seizes N3.2BN Worth Of Contraband, Recovers N728.9M As NCS Intensifies War Against Smuggling
In a bold move to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and public wellbeing, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Ikeja-Lagos, has recorded massive seizures and revenue recovery between July and August 2026.
The Unit intercepted _220 consignments_ of prohibited and smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value of _₦3,237,132,640.00_. It also recovered _₦728,976,725.03_ lost to under-declaration, false declaration, and other forms of customs infractions.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, _CSC Hussaini Abdullahi_.
According to the statement, the achievements were driven by sharpened intelligence, advanced risk profiling, and aggressive enforcement targeted at trade fraud and smuggling networks.
The breakdown of seizures includes:
– _4,956 bags of foreign parboiled rice_ 50kg each – equivalent to 8 trailer loads
– _12 foreign-used vehicles_
– _2,683 parcels of Cannabis Sativa_ weighing 1,439.9kg
– _49 parcels of Ghanaian Loud_ weighing 26.1kg
– _1 parcel of Crystal Methamphetamine_ weighing 0.35kg
– _13 parcels of Granular Cannabis_ weighing 1.35kg
– _240,000 tablets of Tramadol_ and _12,000 tablets of Hypnox_
– _22 pieces of Elephant Tusks_ weighing 130.84kg
– _964 jerrycans of PMS_ 25L each, totaling 24,100 litres
– _26 cartons of foreign vegetable oil_, _686 cartons of foreign poultry products_
– _414 bales of used clothing_ and _2,947 pieces of used tyres_, among others
Speaking on the outcome, the Controller of FOU ‘A’, _Comptroller Gambo Aliyu_, described the revenue recovery as a clear signal that the Unit is closing gaps used by economic saboteurs.
> “Our mandate is clear: protect government revenue, support local industries, and keep dangerous goods out of our markets. We will continue to deploy intelligence and technology to detect fraud while ensuring that legitimate trade thrives,” he said.
Comptroller Aliyu emphasized that the interception of rice, poultry, vegetable oil, used vehicles and textiles directly protects Nigerian farmers, manufacturers and jobs. The seizure of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceuticals, he noted, is a critical intervention to protect public health and save Nigerian youths from drug abuse.
He also highlighted that the recovery of elephant tusks underscores the Service’s role in the global fight against wildlife trafficking and the protection of endangered species.
The Comptroller attributed the successes to improved inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and the support of patriotic Nigerians who provide timely information.
> “We operate on a dual mandate: robust enforcement and trade facilitation. To compliant traders, we assure you of a transparent and predictable environment. To smugglers and fraudsters, our message is simple: FOU ‘A’ will find you,” he warned.
The Nigeria Customs Service, through FOU ‘A’, reiterates its commitment to the Federal Government’s economic agenda by securing borders, promoting compliance, and preventing the influx of harmful and prohibited goods.
The Unit appreciates sister security agencies, stakeholders, border communities and the media for their continued support and partnership.
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