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| Some seized bags of rice on display |
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| Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu addressing the press at the FOU Zone A Warehouse |
By Stella Okocha
Harboursandport.com: Lagos-October 8, 2025: The Controller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu have declared that the command, within the last six weeks , successfully recorded 125 seizures, with the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over 1.8 billion naira.
He told journalists during a press brief on Tuesday, 7th October 2025, that recent activities and achievements of the unit, leveraged on the advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing frameworks across the southwestern state; and they remained “firm and focused on safeguarding our nation’s borders, protecting the economy, and combating all forms of illicit activities.”
He went further to explain that the unit had intensified its anti-smuggling operations through intelligence-driven strategies, which were aimed at curbing illicit goods trafficking, safeguarding revenue, and protecting consumers from hazardous and counterfeit products.
While displaying the intercepted items, Shuaibu told the press that the seizures occurred in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states; and four defendants were arrested in connection with the operations and would be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
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According to him, the.listed the seized items as follows: 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice (equivalent to 8 trailer loads), 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles, 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 431.8kg, 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres), 143 bales of used clothing, 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes, and 1 sack of used clothing, 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 pieces of used tyres, and One 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, intercepted “for false declaration”, all with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,188,830,600.00; noting that it reflected the scale of their operations.
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He took the opportunity to remind the public that “the 2016 federal government fiscal policy that bans the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders is still enforced.” He warned that “some selfish and unpatriotic individuals who continue to defy this restriction” would face the consequences, stating firmly that “our men will continue to inflict heavy losses on their ill-fated mission.”
He also disclosed that from 1st September to 7th October 2025, the unit recovered ₦39,269,688.71, through the issuance of demand notices and enforcement against under-valuations.
While maintaining strong enforcement, Shuaibu assured that the unit also remained committed to “facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that lawful businesses operate without unnecessary hindrance.”
He emphasized that these seizures reaffirmed the operational capability of the unit and “underscore our resolve to continuously confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine federal government policies.”
Speaking on the inter-agency collaboration, Shuaibu said that the seized Cannabis Sativa and pharmaceuticals would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.
While concluding his speech, he reiterated that “the Federal Operations Unit Zone A remains unwavering in its commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy,” adding that through sustained intelligence-led operations and the strategic deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, the unit would continue to secure Nigeria’s borders, protect national revenue, and contribute to the country’s economic growth".
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The Deputy Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nasir Bungudu who received the drugs from NCS, commended officers of the NCS for their vigilance and intelligence in intercepting another shipment of Indian hemp believed to have been smuggled into the country through sea.
Bungudu also applauded the Customs’ sustained efforts in combating drug trafficking, describing their operations as “dogged and intelligence-driven.”
“This is another Indian hemp that is not produced in Nigeria. It was brought in through the sea and the river. I thank the Customs for their ability to track and arrest the culprits. Their intelligence and timing in making such arrests are commendable,”he said.
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