The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced the seizure of tyres, cannabis sativa, parboiled rice, and other illicit goods, as well as revenue generation of ₦1.5 billion within a three-month period.
This was disclosed by Comptroller Shuaibu Mohammed during a press briefing on Friday. Mohammed, who recently assumed leadership of the Unit, affirmed his alignment with the open governance principles championed by Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi and the Customs management team.
“Upon my arrival, I committed to leveraging my extensive experience to effectively navigate the complexities of this Unit, and I am proud to report that we have remained true to that commitment,” he stated.
He explained that the revenue was generated through various means, including the issuance of Demand Notices to address import duty shortfalls and the auctioning of seized perishable goods.
“As of today, we have successfully recovered a total of ₦20.7 million through demand notices related to irregular importations and auction sales of seized petroleum products,” he revealed.
Mohammed highlighted the Unit’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy and citizens, noting that they will continue working with other security agencies and border communities to dismantle smuggling networks and illicit trade operations.
To improve efficiency, he stated that the Unit is shifting towards intelligence-driven operations, reducing reliance on traditional stop-and-search methods.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Unit intercepted and seized seven 20-foot containers loaded with prohibited items including vehicles, new shoes, tramadol, clothing, and bags.
In line with inter-agency collaboration, Mohammed announced that 246kg of seized cannabis sativa will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while the intercepted tramadol capsules will be transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and prosecution. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
He called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling, while urging importers and declarants to remain truthful in their documentation to avoid unnecessary delays.
Reiterating the Unit’s dedication to efficient trade facilitation, Mohammed emphasized that intelligence-driven operations are crucial for unlocking economic potential, creating jobs, and enhancing regional integration.
The Comptroller also revealed that all patrol checkpoints within the Lagos metropolis have been dismantled to ensure smoother and more transparent trade operations.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi for the opportunity to serve in his current role, reaffirming the Unit’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities with integrity and diligence.
“We remain committed to fulfilling our responsibilities to the best of our ability,” he said.