The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has intercepted smuggled goods valued at ₦3.14 billion in operations across the South-West. The seizures included second-hand clothing, foreign parboiled rice, cannabis sativa, vehicles, and other contraband.
Comptroller Suiabu Hussein disclosed the details in Lagos on Thursday, saying the items were recovered during intensified surveillance and enforcement across the six states of the zone over a three-week period. The operation also resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects.
According to Hussein, the seizures included two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks, premium motor spirit, poultry products, vegetable oil, and eight containers of misdeclared goods. These containers reportedly held used shoes, vehicle spare parts, tyres, furniture, and alcoholic beverages.
The goods were intercepted at various locations, including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State; and parts of Lagos.
Some suspects have been granted bail, while others have been handed to relevant agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.
The cannabis sativa will be transferred to the appropriate authorities.
Hussein said the operations were intelligence-driven and aimed at dismantling smuggling networks. He added that between 18 July and 12 August 2025, the unit also recovered ₦47.8 million in revenue through the issuance of demand notices for under-declared or undervalued imports.
He maintained that the unit would continue to enforce compliance with trade regulations while facilitating legitimate commerce.
