In this period of worsening insecurity in some parts of the country, the Federal Operations Unit of Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A, Ikeja has intercepted a truck with bullet proof vests and some packages of Tramadol. The registration number of the truck conveying the uncustoms goods is T24623LA. The truck was stopped for search on the 19th of May 2025 by officers of the unit on a routine patrol along Shagamu/Ijebu-Ode express way in Ogun State.
Addressing the press on Tuesday in Ikeja, the Controller of the unit, Comptroller Muhammed S. Shuaibu also noted that on the 23rd and 24th of May 2025, the patrol teams of the unit within Lagos metropolis acted on intelligence intercepted and seized 2X40FT containers with containers numbers (MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090) respectively along Ijora-Olopa, and Mile 2 axis. According to him, the examination reports of these containers revealed the following contents: Seven (7) Mitsubishi Canters, Five (5) Toyota Hiace Buses, and Three (3) Mini Shuttle Buses all cut up with their parts complete with clear intention to evade Customs duties. Other items include used bicycles, 312, Bales of printed wax, 23 Bales of used clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, and 30 used flat screens televisions, 65 table top cookers, and 31 unit of used split air conditioners, among others. The controller said that the importation of these items contravenes schedule 4 of the common external tariff.
He added that on the 19th of May 2025 at about 0300hrs hours another patrol team intercepted a Volvo truck and investigation revealed to contains 1263 pieces of used tyres and other goods, and one suspect was arrested.
Comptroller Shuaibu further hinted that on the 26th of May 2025, at about 0600hrs, through intelligence-driven operations, his men on the Ijebu-Ode patrol team arrested one empty Mercedes Benz truck. Thorough rummaging of the truck and careful observation by the officers led to the uncovering of concealment of Cannabis Sativa (India Hemp) in the compartments of the truck. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.
Additionally, he stressed that unit’s patrol teams around the border areas across the six (6) states of the Southwest have intensified surveillance of Nigerian borders against unscrupulous elements among Nigerians, resulting in several seizures of rice, Cannabis Sativa, used cars and other goods in a flash points of Imeko, Ilaro, Owode, Idiroko , Ilara, Ihumbo, Abeokuta, Badagry, Agbara, Gbaji, Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State.
The controller revealed that a total of Forty- Six (46) interceptions were recorded during this two (2) weeks of operations comprising the following:
*Rice 2051X50kg each foreign parboiled rice equivalent to three trailer loads.
*Eleven used vehicles, popularly known as tokumbo vehicles.
*1665kg of Cannabis Sativa.
*4000 litres of premium motor spirit. (PMS)
*One white and Black J5 commercial Bus loaded with expired goods.
*One Volvo Truck containing 180 sacks of new towel.
*Seven (7) suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures, which have a duty paid value (DPV) of one billion, two hundred and eighty-five million, six hundred thousand, three hundred and eighty-three naira (N1,285, 600,383.00) only.
Comptroller Shuaibu explained that these seizures come on the heels of successes recorded in the unit’s anti-smuggling activities just three (3) weeks after he resume the leadership of the unit on the 23rd of April 2025, which saw seizures of over 7 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice, premium motor spirit, vehicles, drugs and narcotics among others with a duty paid value of over 1.5 billion naira.
He maintained that the Nigeria Customs Service as a lead agency in border security and facilitators of trade, is not unaware of the need to balance both responsibilities through risk management tools at its disposal. He added that the unit is also aware that those whose illicit businesses have been significantly hindered by its operations will spare no efforts in devising different methods to counter its efforts.
The controller assured the public that the unit will continue to remain alive to its responsibilities and will not be deterred by naysayers or anyone intent to casting aspersions on its officers who have always paid ultimate price for the service to their country.
He promised that as criminals get more desperate and daring, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ will ensure the sustainability of a more formidable defense against any antics devised by these non-state actors.
“The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to design and implement sustainable programs that will grow our economy, increase revenue for the government, and encourage legitimate trade,” he stated.
The seized 1665kg of Indian hemp were handed over to the operatives of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
The controller disclosed that within these two weeks of operations, the unit recovered a total of forty-eight million, three hundred and forty thousand, seven hundred and twenty naira, eight kobo (N48,340,720.08) only, through issuance of demand notices (DN) from the improper declaration of consignments.
He noted that when he assumed duty at the unit, he looked at some of the institutional activities that have been relegated to the background and what could be done to boost the morales of officers. He said that he found out that the monthly parades, weekly sporting activities, and conducive working atmosphere were the major concerns.
He announced that presently he has resuscitated the monthly parades and weekly sporting activities.
Comptroller Shuaibu commended Comptroller General of Customs and his management team for their some support which helps the unit to perform optimally. He equally thanked his officers for their unwavering dedication, steadfastness, gallantry, and integrity which led to the achievements. He extended his appreciation to stakeholders and partners, especially the media, for their modest reportage.