Customs FOU Ikeja seizes N3.144 billion contraband goods

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU Zone A Ikeja) of the Nigeria Customs Service says it seized 76 smuggled and contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of  ₦3,144,680,000.00 in three weeks.

The Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaib made this known in a statement in Lagos on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

The seized items included 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) equivalent to seven trailer loads, 22 used vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks; 485 jerrycans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 12,125 litres and 120 bales of used clothing.
Others were 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 47 cartons of foreign poultry products and 770 jerrycans of 25 litres each of foreign vegetable oil.

The Unit also seized 8 containers with not properly declared goods or attempts to evade duties. The breakdown is as follows: 4x40ft containers – MSKU-1629585 – sacks of used shoes and canvas, MSKU-0733722 – auto spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles, TCNU-9441240 – furniture, ACLU-9673721 – spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles, 4x20ft containers: TEMU-4596866 – furniture, TCLU-3866419 – furniture, TCKU-3962096 –  furniture and TCKU-1497232 – pali bitters drinks

Comptroller Shuaib said the items were seized at strategic points across the South-Western states, including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State and the Lagos metropolis.

He noted that 13 suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures. “While some have been granted administrative bail, others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution”, he said.

The Customs Area Controller said “In line with our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized Cannabis Sativa will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

“These seizures underscore the operational capabilities and strategic effectiveness of our operatives.

‘They also reinforce our unwavering resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and confront economic saboteurs whose actions threaten national security and undermine the fiscal policies of the federal government.

He said beyond enforcement, FOU Zone A also plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with import and export regulations. “We continue to scrutinize questionable declarations, correct under valuations, and issue Demand Notices (DNs) where necessary. Between 18th July and 12th August 2025, the Unit recovered a total of ₦47,834,397.29.

“While we maintain vigilance against smuggling and fraud, the FOU remains a strong partner in trade facilitation. We continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growthensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process,” Shuaib said.

He commended the  efforts of the operatives and reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of the Unit to securing the nation’s borders against all forms of economic sabotage. “We will not relent in our mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment and protect our economy from illicit trade practices,” the Controller said.