The Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service in Ikeja has intercepted contraband goods valued at N1.5 billion and arrested four suspects in a three-week anti-smuggling operation.

Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, who assumed office on April 23 as the Customs Area Controller, made this known during a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, where he officially handed over seized items to representatives of the NDLEA and NAFDAC.

According to Shuaibu, the seizures, recorded between April 23 and May 16, had a Duty Paid Value, DPV, of N1.5 billion. He asserted his commitment to leveraging his experience to enhance the unit’s efficiency, emphasizing that the command has remained focused on its core mission.

The unit generated N20.7 million through the issuance of demand notices and the auction of perishable goods and petroleum products resulting from irregular importation practices.

Shuaibu highlighted a strategic shift toward intelligence-led operations, reducing reliance on conventional stop-and-search tactics. This, he noted, has helped streamline procedures and enhance enforcement outcomes.

Among the significant interceptions were seven 20-foot containers filled with various prohibited and improperly declared items. Detailed findings revealed: Container MSKU 8551954 was loaded with used tyres and vehicles.

Containers SYDU 1479614, MSKU 7751689, and MSKU 798700 contained foreign parboiled rice.

Container ZCSU 8845072 held new footwear, ZCSU 7055181 had new clothing, and IDU 4258491 was filled with new bags.

Other notable seizures included 4,085 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to seven trailer loads), 15 foreign-used vehicles, 82 packs of Tramadol (each with 10 sachets), and 246 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa.

The unit confiscated 290 jerry cans of petroleum products and 12 bales, along with four sacks of used clothing.

Shuaibu reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering resolve to combat smuggling, counterfeit goods, and other forms of illegal trade. He emphasized that these successes were achieved through inter-agency collaboration aimed at protecting the economy and public welfare.

Expressing gratitude to God and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for the opportunity to lead, Shuaibu urged the public to support the fight against smuggling by reporting suspicious activities and ensuring honest declarations during cargo clearance

He noted that efficient trade facilitation remains critical to economic development, job creation, and regional integration. The command, he added, will continue to prioritize intelligence-based enforcement to foster a transparent and inclusive trading environment.

He also commended officers for conducting operations without incident and acknowledged the media’s role in raising public awareness.

Speaking at the event, Abdul Maiyaki, Area Commander of the NDLEA in Festac, commended Customs for transferring the seized cannabis and a suspect, praising the sustained collaboration among agencies.

NAFDAC Taskforce Chairman, Shuiba Muhammad, echoed similar sentiments, lauding Customs for its role in curbing the inflow of harmful substances. He recalled the handover of seven trucks of illicit drugs to NAFDAC earlier this year and said the latest seizures showcase the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in reducing the security threats posed by drug abuse.