Customs intercept N3.1bn worth of cars, others
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, has said that it intercepted 22 exotic cars, seven trailers of rice, and other items worth N3.1bn within the last three weeks.
The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Mohammed Shuaibu, stated this on Thursday while showcasing some of the seized contrabands to journalists at the command. Shuaibu explained that within the period under review, 76 seizures were recorded.
He maintained that within the period under review, the unit intensified surveillance and enforcement activities across the six states of the South-West geopolitical zone.
The CAC stressed that these consignments were intercepted at different parts of the South Western states, including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, and Imeko-Afon in Ogun State, “the Ondo/Ekiti axis includes Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State, and the Lagos metropolis.”
Giving details of the seizures, Shuaibu pointed out that within the period under review, 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to seven trailers, were seized.
“Others include 22 used (tokunbo) vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks, 485 jerrycans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit totaling 12,125 litres, 120 bales of used clothing, 57 parcels of cannabis sativa, 47 cartons of foreign poultry products, 770 jerrycans of 25 litres each of foreign vegetable oil, among others. The duty paid value of the seized goods stands at N3.1bn,” Shuaibu said.
According to him, a total of 13 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. He highlighted that while some of the suspects have been granted administrative bail, others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The customs official maintained that, within the period under review, eight containers with misdeclared goods attempting to evade duty payment were intercepted. He reiterated that in line with the unit’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized cannabis sativa would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
“These seizures underscore the operational capabilities and strategic effectiveness of our operatives. They also reinforce our unwavering resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and confront economic saboteurs whose actions threaten national security and undermine the fiscal policies of the federal government,” Shuaibu mentioned.
Meanwhile, the CAC added that beyond enforcement, the unit plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with import and export regulations. Shuaibu mentioned that the unit continues to scrutinise questionable declarations, correct undervaluations, and issue demand notices where necessary.
“Between 18th July and 12th August 2025, the unit recovered a total of N47.8m,” he stated. He said that while the unit maintains vigilance against smuggling and fraud, “It continues to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that strike a balance between security enforcement and economic growth, ensuring that lawful traders are not unduly hindered in the process.”
Shuaibu, while commending the efforts of operatives, reaffirmed the unit’s steadfast commitment to securing the nation’s borders against all forms of economic sabotage. “We will not relent in our mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment and protect our economy from illicit trade practices,” he said
