The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed the seizure of smuggled and expired products valued at N1.8bn within two weeks.

Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, who disclosed this on Wednesday, said the seizures were possible due to enhanced intelligence operations and improved morale among officers.

Items intercepted during the operation include 1,665kg of cannabis sativa, 1,263 used tyres, a bulletproof vests, pharmaceutical products including tramadol, 2,051 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 11 used vehicles.

He confirmed that seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

According to Shuaibu, the Unit’s success reflects a growing reliance on intelligence gathering.

“The only thing that is seen is the increase in our intelligence networks, we are going to be using an intelligence approach to achieve this milestone,” he stated.

He also linked the results to internal initiatives aimed at improving personnel morale, noting the revival of monthly parades and sports as contributing factors to increased unity and discipline within the Unit.

Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, on Tuesday visited the Oyo/Osun Area Command in Ibadan, where he conducted an assessment of infrastructure and ongoing operations.

During the visit, Adeniyi inspected the Ibadan Train Station Terminal and a proposed private bonded warehouse, which is under consideration for cargo handling activities.

Commenting on the facility, he said: “The warehouse will complement ongoing efforts to decongest seaports and expedite the movement of goods to their final destinations.

“This aligns with our broader goal of simplifying customs procedures and promoting legitimate trade.”

The Area Controller of the Command, Joseph Adelaja, presented a performance overview, disclosing that the Command generated N28.05bn in revenue between February and May 2025, exceeding the N23.84bn recorded during the same period in 2024.

Adelaja further reported that prohibited goods valued at over N917m in Duty Paid Value were intercepted within the same period.

Despite the gains, Adelaja highlighted challenges affecting operations.

These include “manpower shortages, inadequate operational vehicles, and unreliable electricity supply at the Command’s barracks.”

He requested the deployment of “80 junior officers and provision of 16 additional vehicles to enhance operational effectiveness.”

In response, Adeniyi acknowledged the concerns and said the headquarters would review the requests.

He also emphasised the importance of “professional development and encouraged officers to remain committed to their responsibilities.”