The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service has unveiled sweeping enforcement gains across the South-west, detailing a surge in anti-smuggling operations that disrupted illicit trade networks and boosted revenue recovery within eight weeks.
Addressing journalists in Lagos, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu said the unit intensified its offensive against economic saboteurs, reinforcing border security and tightening compliance with federal fiscal policies and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
He disclosed that operatives thwarted no fewer than 473 smuggling attempts through intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and advanced surveillance systems deployed across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Ondo states.
The seizures recorded within the period include 8,794 bags of foreign rice equivalent to 15 trailer loads, 22 used vehicles, 1,863 used refrigerator compressors, and 328 bales of used clothing.
Other intercepted items comprised 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 485 used tyres, 69 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 24 bags of sugar, five cartons of ST Louis products, and 531 cartons of poultry products.
Aliyu said the unit also launched a targeted anti-drug initiative codenamed Operation Hawk to dismantle trafficking networks and protect communities from the rising threat of illicit substances.
Under the operation, officers seized 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis popularly known as Ghanaian Loud, weighing 1,540 kilogrammes, in what he described as a major blow to drug syndicates operating within the zone.
In a separate breakthrough, customs officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander along the Lagos Abidjan corridor, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the discovery of 6.4 kilogrammes of cocaine and methamphetamine with an estimated street value of N2.35 billion.
He confirmed that the narcotics would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution, underscoring the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating transnational crimes.
The unit also seized four cylinders of high-grade mercury concealed in a vehicle at the Gbaji outpost, noting that the substance poses severe environmental risks and is regulated under international conventions.
Aliyu said the suspect linked to the mercury seizure has been granted administrative bail, while the items would be transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency for further action.
Beyond enforcement, the comptroller highlighted a Duty Paid Value of N5.5 billion recorded within the review period, reflecting the scale and impact of operations aimed at recovering revenue and curbing duty evasion.
He added that the unit recovered an additional N97.7 million through demand notices issued on under-declared consignments, in collaboration with post-clearance audit mechanisms.
Aliyu stressed that the command is advancing digital transformation, integrating geospatial intelligence, satellite imagery, drones, and real-time tracking to monitor high-risk corridors and disrupt smuggling routes proactively.
He noted that the forthcoming relocation to a newly commissioned command headquarters in Iperu, Ogun State, would further enhance operational efficiency, intelligence coordination, and real-time surveillance capabilities.
Reaffirming commitment to trade facilitation, the comptroller assured that legitimate businesses would continue to enjoy seamless cargo movement, even as enforcement remains firm against illicit activities undermining the nation’s economy.