By Alex Akao.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ Lagos, has arrested 13 suspects within a three week operation in which contraband imports worth over N1.3billion were also impounded.

Briefing newsmen Thursday, Controller of the Unit, Comptroller MS Shuaibu disclosed that all the suspects were in custody, while a few had been granted administrative bail, and others yet again handed over to other relevant security agencies for further investigation and possibly prosecution.

Comptroller Shuaibu gave a breakdown of the seizures to include foreign parboiled rice totaling 4,068 bags, equivalent to seven trailer-loads, 22 used vehicles, cannabis sativa and 120 bales of used clothing.

He said as an enforcement arm of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), his Unit’s mandate remains firmly focused on safeguarding the nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit trade.

“In line with this mandate, the Federal Operations Unit Zone A (FOU A) has intensified surveillance and enforcement activities across the six states of the South-West geopolitical zone”, hence the feat was achieved through intelligence gathering.

Expressing satisfaction at the vigilance of his dedicated field officers, the Customs Chief said he was pleased to report that their efforts had led to the significant breakthroughs with the seizures totaling seventy-six (76) contraband interceptions.

Comptroller Shuaibu listed the other seizures to include 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) equivalent to seven trailer loads, 22 used (tokunbo) vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks, and 485 Jerry cans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 12,125 litres.

Others are, 120 bales of used clothing, 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 47 cartons of foreign poultry products, and 770 Jerry cans of 25 litres each of foreign vegetable oil.

Speaking further, he disclosed that the Unit also made notable seizures involving eight (8) containers with “mis-declared” goods or attempts to evade duties.

He further gave the breakdown as follows:
“4x40ft containers: MSKU-1629585, Sacks of used shoes and canvas laden in container number, MSKU-0733723, Auto spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles laden in container number TCNU-9441240.

There were also seizures of furniture items laden inside the container number-ACLU-9673721, Spare parts, used tyres, and vehicles laden inside container a 4x20ft containers with numbers, TEMU-4596866, TCLU-3866419, TCKU-3962096, TCKU-1497232, as well as some quantity of pali bitters drinks

According to him, these seizures occurred 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.

“The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at ₦3,144,680,000.00 (Three Billion, One hundred and Forty-Four Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira) only.

“The seized Cannabis Sativa will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution”.

He disclosed that 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 (Forty-Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Four Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-Seven Naira, Twenty-Nine Kobo)” he said.